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  • Oklahoma’s Brent Venables to call plays, adds 2 assistants


    • Eli LedermanFeb 1, 2025, 03:17 PM ET

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        Eli Lederman covers college football and recruiting for ESPN.com. He joined ESPN in 2024 after covering the University of Oklahoma for Sellout Crowd and the Tulsa World.

    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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    2. Brent Venables coaching updates
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  • Brent Venables reacts to Oklahoma’s growing transfer portal player total

    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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