Coach Nate Dreiling is on the move once again, shaking up his coaching journey just weeks after stepping in as Arkansas State’s defensive coordinator on Jan. 3, 2025. The Oklahoma Sooners have made a big splash by bringing in the former Utah State Aggies interim head coach as their new inside linebackers coach.
This move marks Dreiling’s return to a Power Five program for the first time since his stint as a defensive analyst under Mario Cristobal at Oregon in 2020. His coaching journey has come full circle, and Oklahoma is banking on his expertise to bolster their defense.
Oklahoma Lands Nate Dreiling on the Defensive Staff
Oklahoma initially had its sights set on former Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, but he ultimately took the Penn State job instead. When that door closed, head coach Brent Venables faced another challenge. He had to replace Zac Alley, who departed after just one season to take the defensive coordinator role at West Virginia.
With Knowles out of the picture, Venables quickly turned his attention to Nate Dreiling, who was more than ready to step into the role of inside linebackers coach. On3’s Pete Nakos had already hinted at Dreiling’s arrival before Oklahoma even made it official.
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“Oklahoma is targeting Arkansas State defensive coordinator Nate Dreiling for a role on Brent Venables’ staff, sources tell @On3sports and @SoonerScoop. Utah State’s interim head coach in 2024, Dreiling was hired at Arkansas State in early January,” Nakos wrote in his X post.
Oklahoma is targeting Arkansas State defensive coordinator Nate Dreiling for a role on Brent Venables’ staff, sources tell @On3sports and @SoonerScoop.
Utah State’s interim head coach in 2024, Dreiling was hired at Arkansas State in early January.https://t.co/MNvWnlwasu pic.twitter.com/zQ0il0asW5
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) January 31, 2025
For the last three years, Dreiling served as the DC at New Mexico State and later moved to Utah State. His stint with the Aggies turned out to be tumultuous, as shortly after his arrival, USU defensive back Andre Sheldon Jr. died in a non-football-related accident.
Later in the 2024 season, Utah State suffered a slew of injuries, especially among its key defensive players. The team went 4-8, the program’s worst performance since 2016. Dreiling was relieved of his duties as the interim head coach when Utah State announced the hiring of Bronco Mendenhall on Dec. 6.
So, Dreiling found his way to Arkansas State, and now, he will enter next season with Oklahoma.
Brent Venables Speaks on Adding Nate Dreiling, Defensive Analyst Wes Goodwin to Staff
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables is in the process of restocking his coaching staff after the annual exodus of coaches joining new teams. Before hiring Dreiling, Venables had filled his vacancies with defensive analyst Wes Goodwin and Brandon Hall.
Moreover, the team also has Todd Bates and Jay Valai, who will serve as the Sooners’ co-defensive coordinators. After deciding to hire Dreiling and Goodwin, Venables released a statement explaining his reasoning.
“I have reflected on all facets of our program over the past several weeks,” said Venables. “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 play-calling responsibilities for the 2025 season.
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“Adding Nate and Wes to our team, with their extensive and diverse experience, simply adds to my expectations and excitement for our defensive unit. I’m energized by the prospect of getting back into play-calling and for the continued momentum I see us gaining with the strategic moves we’re making on both sides of the ball.
“The addition of Ben Arbuckle as a young, innovative, and proven offensive coordinator, as well as the talented players we’ve added via the transfer portal, have me equally excited about the immediate future of our offense,” he concluded.
The three-time national champion coordinator, who won his titles with the Clemson Tigers, wishes to return to playcalling. This is the latest change in his approach since taking over Oklahoma. In the past season, the Sooners finished fifth in the SEC and 19th nationally in total defense.
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