The Oklahoma Sooners might not be making national headlines with splashy coaching hires this offseason, but don’t mistake quiet for inactive. Behind the scenes, there’s been a significant reshuffling of roles and responsibilities within the program - moves that could have a major impact on how this team performs in 2026.
Let’s start with the headline-grabber: Jason Witten is officially on board as Oklahoma’s new tight ends coach. That move became public earlier this month following the departure of Joe Jon Finley, and now it’s been formally added to the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents meeting agenda.
Witten, a future Hall of Famer with a wealth of experience and leadership, brings a unique blend of NFL pedigree and high football IQ to Brent Venables’ staff. His presence in the tight end room could be a game-changer for a position group that’s been searching for consistency and production.
But Witten isn’t the only new face on the sidelines. The Sooners are also making a key addition to their strength and conditioning program - an area that often flies under the radar but plays a massive role in a team’s success.
With longtime Director of Sports Enhancement Jerry Schmidt transitioning into a new role as Elite Performance Liaison, James Dobson is stepping up to lead the department. Dobson, who’s been with the program as Associate Director of Sports Performance, now takes the reins of the strength staff.
Joining him is Matt Manninger, who’s coming in as the new Senior Strength and Conditioning Trainer. Manninger has been at Illinois since 2021, but he’s no stranger to Dobson - the two worked together at Vanderbilt from 2015 to 2020.
That familiarity should help ease the transition and maintain continuity as the Sooners look to elevate their player development process. Manninger joins a staff that already includes Assistant Directors of Sports Performance Scott Kolok, Josue Matias, and Reggie McGrew.
Beyond the coaching and performance staff, there’s been a significant shift in the athletic department’s leadership. Roger Denny has been named the new Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and Director of Athletics, stepping into a role that’s been held by Joe Castiglione for a generation. Denny was selected by a 12-person search committee led by Randall Stephenson, Chair and Special Advisor to the President for OU Athletics, with assistance from The Athlete Group’s Jake Rosenberg.
Castiglione, who has overseen some of the most successful years in Oklahoma athletics history, will transition into the role of Emeritus Athletics Director. That’s a title that honors his legacy while signaling a new chapter for the department.
Also shifting roles is Executive Deputy AD Larry Naifeh, who becomes Special Assistant to the Athletic Director. Meanwhile, Bob Stoops - the legendary former head football coach - is officially retiring from his administrative role as Athletics Senior Administrative Manager.
Chief of Staff Woody Glass is stepping away from the program, and Greg Tipton is moving up to become Operations Deputy Athletics Director.
On the coaching front, Brent Venables’ staff is in line for some contract updates. Several assistants - including Witten, Emmett Jones, Bill Bedenbaugh, Todd Bates, Miguel Chavis, Nate Dreiling, Jay Valai, Brandon Hall, and Doug Deakin - are up for new deals.
These are the names that have been instrumental in Oklahoma’s recent success, and retaining them signals a strong commitment to continuity and culture. Notably, Ben Arbuckle, DeMarco Murray, and Wes Goodwin are not currently under consideration for new contracts.
Off-the-field analysts are also getting some love. John Kuceyeski and Kevin Wilson are expected to receive contract extensions and pay bumps, as are key members of Jim Nagy’s front office staff: Lake Dawson, Taylor Redd, and Stacey Ford.
And while all these personnel moves are important, the financial backing behind them is just as impressive. Oklahoma is announcing 29 “principal gifts” - donations of over $1 million each - with 20 of those earmarked specifically for athletics.
That adds up to a staggering $94.1 million of support for the department, part of a total $122.5 million in principal gifts. That kind of investment isn’t just about facilities or salaries; it’s about building a long-term foundation for success.
As Oklahoma continues to recalibrate and reload this offseason, the message is clear: the Sooners are setting the stage for a serious run in 2026. With fresh leadership, a revamped support staff, and a coaching core that’s largely intact, the program is positioning itself for another shot at the College Football Playoff. The pieces are coming together in Norman - now it’s about putting them to work.