With Jay Valai heading to the NFL to join the Buffalo Bills, Brent Venables now faces a key decision on his defensive staff at Oklahoma: Who steps in as the Sooners’ next cornerbacks coach?
Given the momentum OU built during its 2025 campaign - a season defined by a defense that helped push the Sooners into the College Football Playoff conversation - this opening should be one of the more attractive assistant jobs in college football. The new hire won’t be starting from scratch, either. With Eli Bowen and Courtland Guillory returning as starters, plus some added depth through the Transfer Portal, the next cornerbacks coach will inherit a talented room with real upside.
Venables, who doubles as the team’s defensive coordinator, has a deep Rolodex and a clear defensive vision. And while there’s no shortage of candidates who would jump at the opportunity, five names have emerged as particularly intriguing fits.
Xavier Brewer - Oklahoma Senior Defensive Analyst
If Venables opts to promote from within, Xavier Brewer is the most logical choice. Brewer has been part of Venables’ staff since 2022, serving as a defensive analyst, and their connection goes back to their Clemson days. Brewer was a graduate assistant under Venables from 2019 to 2020, giving him a strong grasp of the system and the culture Venables is building in Norman.
Brewer also has on-field coaching experience, having served as Louisiana-Monroe’s cornerbacks coach in 2021. While that’s a relatively short stint in the role, his familiarity with Venables’ scheme and day-to-day operations in Norman could make for a smooth transition - especially with spring ball right around the corner.
Dominique Franks - Tulsa Cornerbacks Coach
Sooner fans will remember Dominique Franks for what he did on the field in Norman. A Second-Team All-Big 12 selection during his playing days under Venables, Franks was a fifth-round NFL Draft pick in 2010 and spent four seasons in the league before transitioning into coaching.
Franks has climbed the coaching ranks quickly. He got his start with the New Jersey Generals in the USFL before joining Tulsa’s staff in 2023 as a defensive quality control analyst.
By 2024, he was promoted to cornerbacks coach under Kevin Wilson - a familiar name in Norman. While there’s always some hesitation when it comes to hiring former Sooners, Franks has earned his stripes and brings a player’s perspective that resonates in today’s game.
Mike Reed - Clemson Cornerbacks Coach
Mike Reed is one of the most respected defensive backs coaches in college football, and his ties to Venables run deep. Reed joined Clemson in 2013 - the same year Venables was establishing his defensive identity there - and has since added titles like assistant head coach and special teams coordinator to his resume, all while continuing to lead the Tigers’ cornerbacks.
It won’t be easy to pull Reed away from Clemson, where he’s been entrenched for over a decade under Dabo Swinney. But if there’s ever been a time for a change, Oklahoma might be the right opportunity. The Sooners are on the rise, and the chance to reunite with Venables while helping shape a Big 12-to-SEC transition could be a compelling pitch.
Mark Stoops - Former Kentucky Head Coach
Now here’s a wild card with serious credentials. Mark Stoops, the younger brother of Bob Stoops, is back on the market after a 13-year run as Kentucky’s head coach. His resume includes defensive coordinator stints at Florida State, Arizona, and Houston, and he’s coached defensive backs at nearly every stop along the way.
Despite his last name being synonymous with Oklahoma football, Mark has never actually coached in Norman. That could change now.
While it’s uncommon to see a former Power Five head coach take a position coach role, Stoops brings a wealth of experience that could elevate the entire defensive staff. If Venables wants a seasoned voice in the room, this would be a bold - and potentially brilliant - move.
Chip Viney - Arizona Cornerbacks Coach
Chip Viney knows Norman - even if his time there never overlapped with Venables. Viney has worn several hats at Oklahoma over the years: defensive analyst, recruiting analyst, special teams analyst, and Director of Player Development, among others. Since then, he’s built a solid on-field coaching resume at San Jose State and now Arizona, where he’s currently overseeing the Wildcats’ cornerbacks.
Viney also brings strong recruiting ties to California, a region the Sooners have prioritized in recent cycles. While he’s yet to work directly with Venables, his familiarity with the program and ability to connect with players make him a strong candidate.
Whoever Venables tabs to replace Valai will step into a program that’s trending upward and a defense that’s already built a strong foundation. With proven veterans, emerging depth, and a head coach who knows exactly what he wants from his corners, the Sooners are in a good spot - now it’s just a matter of finding the right voice to lead that room.