The University of Oklahoma is gearing up for a significant reshuffling within its athletic department, and the upcoming Board of Regents meeting on January 29-30 is set to put several key moves on the table. From fresh hires to major financial gifts, there’s a lot happening in Norman-and it’s all part of a broader effort to position the Sooners for success as they continue to evolve in a rapidly changing college sports landscape.
Let’s start at the top. The Regents will review the contracts of newly appointed athletic director Roger Denny and tight ends coach Jason Witten.
Denny, who brings a strong administrative background from his time at Illinois, is stepping into a high-profile role at a pivotal moment. Witten, the former NFL star turned coach, is expected to bring both credibility and leadership to the Sooners’ offensive staff.
There’s also a noteworthy addition that hadn’t been publicly reported until now-Matthew Manninger, who joins the staff as senior strength and conditioning trainer. Manninger most recently served in the same capacity at Illinois, where he worked under Denny. The two reunite in Norman, and Manninger’s arrival could signal a shift in how OU approaches player development and physical performance.
Meanwhile, James Dobson is set for a title and compensation change. Formerly the director of sports performance and strength and conditioning, Dobson’s role is evolving as longtime strength coach Jerry Schmidt transitions into a new position as professional consultant.
Schmidt’s salary will be adjusted from $285,000 to $145,000, reflecting the change in responsibilities. Dobson and Manninger also share history, having worked together at Vanderbilt-a connection that could help streamline the transition in OU’s strength program.
The Regents will also consider contract adjustments for a wide range of football staff members, reflecting the ongoing effort to solidify Brent Venables’ support system. Among them: defensive tackles coach Todd Bates, offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh, defensive ends coach Miguel Chavis, assistant general manager Lake Dawson, and senior special teams analyst Doug Deakin. Each plays a critical role in the day-to-day operations and long-term development of the program.
Additional staff members under contract review include inside linebackers coach Nate Dreiling, scouting director Stacey Ford, safeties coach Brandon Hall, wide receivers coach Emmett Jones, analyst John Kuceyeski, assistant general manager Taylor Redd, defensive backs coach Jay Valai, and analyst Kevin Wilson. These are the behind-the-scenes figures who help build the roster, shape the game plan, and keep the program running at full speed.
There’s also some movement on the administrative side. Football operations administrator Woody Glass resigned on December 2, and Bob Stoops-who’s remained a steady presence around the program even after retiring as head coach-will be stepping away entirely from his role as athletics senior administrative manager. It marks the end of an era, as Stoops has been a constant figure in OU athletics for decades.
Longtime athletic director Joe Castiglione, one of the most respected figures in college sports, will see his title officially change to emeritus athletic director. While the move is largely ceremonial, it’s a nod to Castiglione’s enduring legacy and the foundational role he’s played in shaping OU athletics.
And then there’s the money-big money. The Regents’ agenda includes several major gifts to OU athletics, headlined by two $25 million donations: one from an anonymous donor and another from the Gaylord family.
These contributions are game-changers, providing vital resources as the Sooners prepare for the next chapter, including their move into the SEC. Additional anonymous gifts of $10 million and $7.5 million were also included, further bolstering the department’s financial muscle.
All told, this is a moment of transformation for Oklahoma athletics-new leadership, new staff, and a significant influx of financial support. The decisions made at this Regents meeting will shape the trajectory of the program for years to come. And with the Sooners preparing to compete on the biggest stage in college football, every move matters.