Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables is stepping in to handle defensive play-calling for the 2025 season following a rough 6-7 debut season in the SEC. With mounting pressure, Venables is relying on what has worked best for him in the past.
The departure of defensive coordinator Zach Alley to West Virginia left a void, and after failing to land Jim Knowles, Venables opted to take charge himself. With his championship-winning background, Venables aims to restore defensive dominance in Norman.
Oklahoma Coach Brent Venables to Lead Defense in 2025
Venables has decided to assume defensive play-calling duties for the Sooners in 2025 despite adding former defensive coordinators Nate Dreiling and Wes Goodwin to his staff.
During Oklahoma’s spring Media Day, Venables addressed his choice.
Brent Venables: “Why am I calling the defense? Because I’m good at it… I’ve acted like my job is on the line for 30 years.” #Sooners
— George Stoia III (@GeorgeStoia) March 5, 2025
Following a challenging 6-7 season in 2024, Venables is eager to return to what he describes as his “comfort zone.”
“Many people do that at a really high level, where they call an offense or call a defense and have a lot of success,” Venables said. “No guarantees with anything, but it’s a comfort zone for me. Last year when we went 6-7, I didn’t call the defense. So that didn’t work very well.”
Oklahoma’s defense ranked 19th nationally in total defense, allowing 318.2 yards per game, and finished 29th in scoring defense, surrendering 21.5 points per contest. While much of the team’s struggles stemmed from offensive shortcomings, Venables believes stronger defensive leadership could have improved their record.
In addition to taking over defensive play-calling, Venables made significant coaching changes. After parting ways with Seth Littrell in 2024, Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator role now belongs to Ben Arbuckle — the team’s fourth in three seasons. Additionally, Jim Nagy, previously with the Senior Bowl, has joined the Sooners as their general manager.
Nagy expressed excitement about working with Venables, sharing that their competitive nature and shared vision made the role appealing.
“Coach Venables and I are working side-by-side,” Nagy said. “This is a true collaboration. It’s going to be a great fit. Again, if I would’ve went up to Norman and really not felt that from him, then I wouldn’t have accepted the role. But we’re going to be on the same page.”
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With a 22-17 record over three seasons, including two 6-7 finishes, Venables faces mounting pressure to find a winning formula in 2025.
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