Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables is shaking things up in 2025, taking over defensive play-calling duties for the first time since joining the program in 2021.
While this move signals his confidence in reshaping the defense, former Oklahoma safety Billy Bowman has weighed in and questioned whether Venables is biting off more than he can chew.
Billy Bowman Lists Out the Problem With Brent Venables Calling the Defensive Plays
Bowman originally committed to Oklahoma to play under Lincoln Riley and defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, but both coaches bolted after his freshman season. Despite the shake-up, he stayed loyal to the Sooners under Venables and has now declared for the 2025 NFL Draft.
While he has concerns about Venables juggling head coaching and play-calling duties, he ultimately trusts his former coach’s ability to get the job done.
The Sooners spent over a month searching for a new defensive coordinator after Zac Alley’s departure to West Virginia on Dec. 29. With no perfect fit in sight, Venables boldly decided to take over play-calling duties himself.
The announcement came alongside the hiring of former Clemson defensive play-caller Wes Goodwin and ex-Arkansas State defensive coordinator Nate Dreiling.
In a conversation with “The Oklahoma Breakdown with Ikard and Lehman,” Bowman talked about how much he loves and respects Venables. At the same time, he even mentioned that his decision to call plays might not be an easy one.
“First and foremost, I love Coach Venables, and I fully believe in him,” Bowman said. “I mean, I don’t think nobody should doubt him, based on what he’s done in his coaching career, you know, both at Oklahoma before (1999-2011) and even at Clemson (2012-2021), you know. As much success as he’s had, there shouldn’t be any doubt.”
.@Billy2Bowman on Brent Venables calling the defense in 2025: pic.twitter.com/WyZaaaUbe6
— The Oklahoma Breakdown with Ikard and Lehman (@OK_Breakdown) February 18, 2025
“I think it will be harder for him just cause he’s not labeled as a defensive coordinator, he’s labeled a head coach. Ultimately though, me and Coach Venables have a great relationship. I definitely credit him for a lot of the success I’ve had in my college career because I feel like going from one staff to his staff really changed the way I view playing defense.”
Entering his Year 4, the 54-year-old believes that it’s time he got back into the play-calling business and led his team to the CFP playoff in the 2025 season.
Former Clemson Assistant Expresses His Views on Brent Venables Calling Plays
Former Clemson defensive tackles coach Dan Brooks has worked with only a select few masterminds who could draw up plays with near perfection and adjust on the fly. One of them was Jason Michael and the other was Brent Venables’ newest hire at Oklahoma, Wesley Goodwin.
Brooks was thrilled to see Venables recognize Goodwin’s talent and bring him to Norman. In a phone interview with Tulsa World, he praised the move while also weighing in on Venables’ decision to take over play-calling in 2025. Brooks noted that if Venables ever needs to shift gears midseason, he has the perfect backup plan—handing the reins over to Goodwin.
“I’m sure (Venables) feels like he can do that, or he wouldn’t take that on,” Brooks said. “But I think if there’s anybody out there in the world that he would trust with it, it would be Wesley. … I think that will be a big asset to him, just knowing that he and Wesley put that plan together. And then (Venables) can call the game.”
“Obviously, we know that because he’s done it so well. But there’s so much that goes on being the head coach nowadays. There’s a lot for that, too. So I think that’s gonna be a big comfort level for him, having Wesley right there beside him,” he added.
KEEP READING: Is 2025 a Make-Or-Break Year For Brent Venables?
Moreover, Brooks also stated that he would love to see Goodwin donning the headset and showcasing his in-game adjustment skills on the field.
“And I could see it play out if it got to the point that Brent said, ‘I just can’t do this,’ I think Wesley could call the defense. … If it got to where it was a problem at all, Brent could hand it off to him without any reservation. (Goodwin’s) just a good person, as well as all the football knowledge.
Venables has assembled an impressive coaching staff this offseason, stacking his sideline with top-tier talent. The real test begins: can he turn this strategic overhaul into on-field success?
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