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Tag: Brent
Oklahoma’s Brent Venables to call plays, adds 2 assistants
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Eli Lederman
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables will handle defensive playcalling responsibilities for the Sooners in 2025, he announced in a statement Saturday, assuming full control of the program’s defense for the first time since took over in late 2021.
Oklahoma has spent more than a month searching for its next defensive coordinator since former playcaller Zac Alley left for the same role at West Virginia on Dec. 29 after one season with the Sooners.
Venables’ announcement came as Oklahoma introduced a pair of defensive assistants Saturday — former Arkansas State defensive coordinator Nate Dreiling and former Clemson defensive playcaller Wes Goodwin.
“I have reflected on all facets of our program over the past several weeks,” Venables, entering his fourth season at Oklahoma, said in a statement. “Since I was hired as head coach, we have carefully assembled the defensive personnel and scheme that is suited to compete at the highest level, and we’ve built a deep and talented roster ready for the moment. I have high expectations for our program and will do everything in my power to achieve our goals for our players. To that end, I will take over defensive playcalling responsibilities for the 2025 season.”
Drieling, who will coach inside linebackers, was hired at Arkansas State last month after spending one season at Utah State, where he served as defensive coordinator and interim head coach last fall, leading the Aggies to a 4-8 finish after replacing Blake Anderson. Goodwin replaced Venables as Clemson’s defensive coordinator in 2022 and spent three seasons leading the Tigers defense before his firing following the 2025 campaign.
The pair of defensive minds follow first-year offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle as the latest additions to Venables’ staff this offseason.
“Adding Nate and Wes to our team, with their extensive and diverse experience, simply adds to my expectations and excitement for our defensive unit,” Venables said. “I’m energized by the prospect of getting back into playcalling and for the continued momentum I see us gaining with the strategic moves we’re making on both sides of the ball.”
A three-time national champion coordinator, Venables’ decision to return to playcalling marks the latest evolution in his approach since taking over the Sooners. Former Oklahoma defensive coordinator Ted Roof served as the program’s playcaller for the 2022 and 2023 seasons before Venables turned to Alley, 31, in 2024.
Oklahoma finished 19th nationally and fifth across the SEC in total defense (318.2 yards per game) this past season.
Oklahoma football fans, get ready for some exciting news! Former defensive coordinator Brent Venables is set to return to the Sooners program and will be calling plays on defense. In addition, Venables has added two new assistant coaches to his staff to help bolster the defense and continue Oklahoma’s tradition of dominance on that side of the ball.With Venables at the helm, Oklahoma’s defense is sure to be in good hands. Known for his aggressive play-calling and ability to develop young talent, Venables has a proven track record of success in building strong defenses. His return to Oklahoma is sure to bring a renewed sense of energy and excitement to the program.
The addition of two new assistant coaches will also provide a boost to the defense. With fresh perspectives and new ideas, these coaches will help Venables implement his game plan and develop the players to reach their full potential.
Sooner Nation, get ready for an exciting season ahead as Oklahoma’s defense looks to make a statement under the leadership of Brent Venables and his new coaching staff. Let’s cheer on our Sooners as they strive for greatness on the gridiron! Boomer Sooner! #OUDNA #BoomerSooner
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#Oklahomas #Brent #Venables #call #plays #adds #assistants
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NKY leaders advocate for Brent Spence Bridge Project amid funding freeze
COVINGTON, Ky. — Covington leaders are emphasizing the need for government funding for the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project amid the Trump Administration’s federal funding freeze.
A federal judge temporarily halted enforcement of Trump’s freeze until Monday, Feb. 3. The Trump Administration announced Wednesday afternoon that it was rescinding its funding freeze memo.
The multi-billion-dollar transportation project has three components: the construction of a new bridge along the I-71/I-75 corridor, improvements to the existing bridge and improvements along eight miles approaching both sides of the Ohio River.
The design for the project has been underway since 2005.
According to a press release from the City of Covington, the most recent cost estimates were at least $3.6 billion, with the federal government allocating $1.6 billion of that in January 2023.
“As a route for $2 billion in goods a day and many thousands of workers’ commutes, the Brent Spence Bridge’s impact on local, regional and national commerce cannot be overestimated,” said Covington Mayor Ron Washington in a press release.
The mayor and others have had conversations with high-ranking staff from the offices of Kentucky Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul and U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, as well as the office of Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno. They’ve also talked with leaders at the OKI Regional Council of Governments and regional business groups.
According to the City of Covington, any delay would raise the project’s construction cost. Even a conservative 1 percent escalation due to a 90-day pause could translate to an increase of $36 million-plus on this project alone.
“Covington was instrumental in right-sizing the project to mitigate the impact on the region, in pushing federal officials to forgo tolls as a funding mechanism, and in fighting for amenities like nearby bike paths and aesthetic improvements like lighting and sound barriers,” Washington said in a news release. “Given what’s at stake here, I assure our businesses and residents that we will continue to be vocal in moving the project toward the construction phase, and our federal partners share our cautious optimism.”
The City of Covington said that the Brent Spence Bridge’s daily traffic counts double its original 80,000-vehicle-a-day capacity.
You can find more details about the project in the video below.
Brent Spence Bridge project could cause riverfront attractions to close in Kentucky and Ohio
NKY leaders are pushing for progress on the long-awaited Brent Spence Bridge project, despite a recent freeze on federal funding for the endeavor. The bridge, which connects Covington, Kentucky, and Cincinnati, Ohio, has been a source of frustration for commuters and residents alike due to its outdated design and frequent traffic congestion.Local officials, including Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and U.S. Senator Rand Paul, have been vocal in their support for the project, touting its potential economic benefits and improved infrastructure. They argue that the bridge is a vital link for the region’s economy and transportation network, and that delays in funding only exacerbate the existing issues.
Advocates for the project are urging federal lawmakers to release the necessary funds to move the project forward, emphasizing the importance of investing in critical infrastructure projects like the Brent Spence Bridge. They are hopeful that with continued pressure and support from local leaders, progress will be made towards addressing the bridge’s longstanding issues and improving the region’s transportation system.
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Fine-Tuning the Clarinet Section: A Handbook for the Band Director by Brent Copp
Fine-Tuning the Clarinet Section: A Handbook for the Band Director by Brent Copp
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Fine-Tuning the Clarinet Section: A Handbook for the Band DirectorAre you a band director looking to enhance the sound and performance of your clarinet section? Look no further than Brent Copp’s comprehensive handbook, “Fine-Tuning the Clarinet Section.”
This invaluable resource covers everything you need to know to bring out the best in your clarinet players, from proper instrument maintenance and care to techniques for achieving a balanced and cohesive sound. Copp’s years of experience as a band director and clarinet instructor shine through in this practical guide, providing actionable tips and strategies for improving the overall performance of your clarinet section.
Whether you’re a seasoned band director looking to refine your approach or a newcomer seeking guidance on how to work with clarinet players, “Fine-Tuning the Clarinet Section” is a must-have addition to your library. Pick up a copy today and start taking your clarinet section to the next level!
#FineTuning #Clarinet #Section #Handbook #Band #Director #Brent #Copp,fine-tuning
Birmingham Bowl is long-awaited homecoming for Georgia Tech coach Brent Key
Key, 46, left Birmingham — and Clay, Alabama, to be more specific — almost 30 years ago. Sure, he’s been back hundreds of times (he joked this month he has journeyed along I-20 on thousands of trips) on recruiting visits and to reunite with family, and he lived down the road in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he was an assistant coach during the latter part of the last decade, but there hasn’t been a homecoming quite like this.
Old friends have been visiting Key at the team hotel while he works the phone recruiting for the 2025 roster. Key’s high school football coach spoke to the Jackets after Thursday’s practice. Rickey J’s bakery in Birmingham got word that Key was in town and sent over a caramel cake, Key’s favorite, to Donna’s house.
“He’s just got support from everybody,” Donna said.
ExploreHow to watch the Birmingham Bowl: TV & radio info, streaming, odds As a child, Key grew up in Trussville, Alabama, before Key and his mother moved to Clay when Key was 12. Key’s father, James Key, and Donna divorced when Key was young. James Key died in 2011 at the age of 60, and there never was much of a relationship between him and Key.
So Donna and her parents were the guiding lights for Key, a child who tested for the gifted program at school at the age of 7, who was active in church and on the scholar’s bowl team, was a Cub Scout and was a youth baseball standout. He was close with his maternal grandfather Don Martin, a man who ran glass-making businesses across the state and taught Key how to fish and to play golf and other sports.
Martin taught Key much about life, too, Donna said.
It wasn’t until junior high school that Key, who Donna called a mild and sweet child, was allowed to play football. He always had liked the sport, but when he finally put on the pads, he instantly fell in love. He also had another father figure enter his life in the form of Hewitt-Trussville High School coach Jack Wood.
“Brent always, No. 1, he always worked extremely hard. That’s probably one thing that sticks out to me as much as anything,” Wood told the AJC. “He worked in the offseason, in the weight room, the running program. Everything he did he got better and better. And he worked real hard in the classroom. He was a very good student, and that’s the most important thing there. He was a good teammate. I think that’s how the other guys there viewed him, and that’s the ultimate to me.”
ExploreMore AJC coverage of the Yellow Jackets Key became a pretty good offensive lineman, despite weighing only 225 pounds as a senior. His work in the classroom and on the field earned him a scholarship offer to play for Tech.
He left Alabama for Atlanta in 1996.
“I still can see it my head. I was up in his room packing, and he was up there with several of his friends because they were so all excited for him,” Donna recalled. “I was kind of sad, and he was like, ‘Oh, it’s no big deal. I’m just going over there for school. I’ll be back all the time.’ He wasn’t.”
Key’s work ethic didn’t waver in Atlanta. Between practices, games and studies, Key needed to make extra money, so he worked pressure-washing decks and windows during his underclassmen years, then at a concert venue as part of the security team as an upperclassmen.
Nineteen years after Key played his last down at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Key returned to Tech to be his alma mater’s offensive line coach. In 2022 he was named the program’s interim coach eight games into that season before being handed the full-time title in November of that year.
Now Key has a chance to lead the Jackets to eight wins in a season for the first time since 2016. An eighth victory could come in the same city in which Key witnessed his first college football game in person alongside Martin: the 1985 All-American Bowl between Tech and Michigan State at Legion Field.
“This means the world to me, the family and friends that will be around,” Key admitted earlier this month. “Birmingham is college football. Always has been. To play in a bowl game here is pretty special.”
As for Wood, he said will attend the game Friday. Tech offensive lineman Jordan Williams and defensive lineman Jordan van den Berg said the veteran coach told the team about the importance of hard work and effort leading into the matchup with Vanderbilt, qualities Wood recognized early on from a young Key.
Donna, however, won’t be able to make the game, as she’s recovering from a pair of surgeries. But she’ll have some family friends over to watch it on TV and to help her cheer for her son, one of Birmingham’s sons.
After a long and successful career as an assistant coach, Brent Key finally got his opportunity to lead a team as the head coach of Georgia Tech. And what better way to make his debut than in the Birmingham Bowl, a game that holds special significance for Key.Key, a Birmingham native, grew up watching the Birmingham Bowl and dreaming of one day coaching in the prestigious game. Now, that dream has become a reality as he leads his Yellow Jackets against a tough opponent in this year’s matchup.
For Key, this game is not just about a chance to showcase his coaching abilities, but also a long-awaited homecoming to his roots. The Birmingham Bowl holds a special place in his heart, and he is determined to make the most of this opportunity.
As Key prepares his team for the big game, he is filled with excitement and gratitude for the chance to return home and lead his team on such a big stage. The Birmingham Bowl is not just another game for Key, it is a chance to fulfill a lifelong dream and make his mark as a head coach.
So, as the Yellow Jackets take the field in the Birmingham Bowl, all eyes will be on Brent Key as he leads his team in a game that means so much to him personally. And with his passion, dedication, and determination, there is no doubt that Key will make the most of this long-awaited homecoming.
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Brent Venables reacts to Oklahoma’s growing transfer portal player total
Oklahoma has had 25 players hit the NCAA transfer portal since it opened, including quarterback Jackson Arnold. That has left the Sooners with a thinner squad ahead of the Armed Forces Bowl.
But coach Brent Venables doesn’t seem to be sweating it too much.
“Yeah, this is modern college football,” he said. “I don’t think any team’s going to be immune to that. Certainly again, as we’ve said a lot here over the last several months, we’ve been preparing for that. Got to get our roster to 105. There’s a process that takes place. You don’t like it. I’ve said I don’t like it, but it’s part of where we’re at right now.”
Oklahoma will take on Navy in the Armed Forces Bowl on Friday in a game that kicks off at noon ET from Fort Worth, Texas. The Sooners will be looking for a win that would cement a winning record, sitting at 6-6 on the year.
For Venables, the roster reconstruction that is underway is all part of the process. Of course, guys that leave right now can’t be replaced immediately.
That’s the challenge in bowl season.
Still, Venables wants what’s best for his Oklahoma players, and if they feel a move to another program is warranted, he’s doing his best to be supportive.
“Everybody has to figure out what’s best for them, and we as a program, as we continue to try to grow and start back over with team 131, that’s all part of the process,” Venables said. “So that’s right on schedule.”
In terms of the actual bowl preparations for Oklahoma, Venables thinks things are going pretty well.
“It’s still good,” he said. “I don’t know how many’s out there right now, but there’s still over 100 guys out there. They’re working hard, showing up, they’re excited to be able to go to work and get a chance to play in a bowl game and go win.”
After winning the first three games of the season, Oklahoma has lost six of the last nine. So establishing a winning streak again with a bowl win would be huge for the program.
Like everyone else, the Sooners will have to combat the transfer portal to get there.
Brent Venables, the head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners football team, has recently spoken out about the growing number of players entering the transfer portal. With several key players deciding to transfer out of the program, Venables is facing a significant challenge in rebuilding his roster for the upcoming season.In a recent interview, Venables expressed his disappointment in losing some of his players but also emphasized his commitment to finding new talent to fill the gaps. He stated that while it’s never easy to see players leave, he understands that players sometimes need to make decisions that are best for their own careers.
Venables also mentioned that he is confident in his ability to recruit and develop new players who will contribute to the team’s success. He remains optimistic about the future of the program and is determined to build a strong and competitive team for the upcoming season.
As the transfer portal continues to be a hot topic in college football, Venables is focused on staying positive and looking ahead to the opportunities that lie ahead for the Oklahoma Sooners. With his leadership and determination, he is sure to navigate this challenging situation and lead his team to success in the coming year.
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