Oklahoma has locked in Brent Venables for the long haul.
The Sooners coach has agreed to a contract extension that runs through the 2031 season, according to the school. The deal still needs approval from the OU Board of Regents, but it would add two years to Venables’ current agreement and, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel, average $10.5 million per season.
It marks one of the first major moves for first-year athletic director Roger Denny, and he made clear why the school wanted to move quickly after Venables’ latest run.
“Since I arrived at Oklahoma, I've had the opportunity to spent a lot of time with Coach Venables, his staff and out student-athletes,” Denny said in a release. “It didn't take long to see how well-suited he is to lead Oklahoma football.
Coach Venables is elite at building culture - not just in the locker room, but throughout the entire program. Our players are drawn to him.
THey trust him, they believe in him and he has a unique ability to connect with young men and bring out the best in them.
“What I hope this extension says to our players is that in an environment that changes every day, we're investing in stability for our program. Amidst the disruption of college sports, Oklahoma will be a place where student-athletes will find consistency.”
Venables has gone 32-20 over the last four seasons after taking over for Lincoln Riley following the 2021 season. The results have bounced around, but Oklahoma is coming off a 10-3 campaign and a College Football Playoff appearance.
That CFP run came with a defense that looked nothing like the shaky units Oklahoma had been carrying under Riley. Venables, a longtime defensive coordinator, rebuilt that side of the ball and helped push the Sooners back into the playoff picture.
Oklahoma finished sixth nationally in yards allowed per game at 272.5 and seventh in points allowed at 15.5. The Sooners also led the country in tackles for loss at 9.4 per game and sacks at 3.5.
Denny said the extension talks started soon after the playoff run.
“One of my top priorities in my first several months as athletic director was to make sure we saw the process through.” Denny said.
Venables, for his part, said the deal reflects the people around him as much as anything else.
“This opportunity and commitment reflect so many people. None of it would be possible without the teremendous investment, hard work and dedication of our players, coaches and staff,” Venables said in the release. “I'm incredibly thankful for each of them and for the believe that have in what we're building together.
“Most importantly, my family and I love Oklahoma. This is our home, and we are deeply grateful for the way the Oklahoma family has embraced and supported us.”
The OU Board of Regents is scheduled to meet Sept. 15-16 in Oklahoma City.
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