NORMAN, OK – MAY 24, 2025 – In a move that has sent shockwaves through the landscape of college football, former Oklahoma Sooner Head Coach and legendary defensive coordinator, Brent Venables, has made a triumphant return to the NCAA, this time stepping into a pivotal leadership role as the new Athletic Director. The announcement, which came late last night, has ignited a fervent buzz, particularly among the Sooner faithful and across the entire collegiate sports community.
Venables, who has been at the helm of the Oklahoma Sooners football program as head coach since December 2021, will transition from the sidelines to the executive suite, taking on the demanding mantle of Athletic Director. This unexpected, yet strategic, career pivot marks a significant chapter for one of college football’s most respected figures.
While Venables’ tenure as head coach in Norman has seen its share of challenges and triumphs, including a 6-7 record in 2022 and a 10-3 turnaround in 2023, his overall impact on the program and his reputation as a defensive mastermind have remained unwavering. His deep understanding of the sport, coupled with his extensive experience in program building and player development, are seen as key assets he will bring to his new administrative role.
Sources close to the University of Oklahoma athletic department suggest that the decision to appoint Venables to the Athletic Director position was a meticulously planned one, aimed at leveraging his profound connections within the NCAA, his strategic vision, and his proven ability to foster a culture of excellence. His history with the Sooners, spanning over a decade as a highly successful defensive coordinator under Bob Stoops, where he won a national championship in 2000, provides him with an intimate knowledge of the institution’s values and aspirations.
Prior to his head coaching stint, Venables forged an unparalleled reputation as one of the nation’s premier defensive minds during his time as defensive coordinator at Clemson (2012-2021). During his tenure with the Tigers, he orchestrated defenses that were consistently among the nation’s elite, contributing significantly to two national championships (2016, 2018) and multiple College Football Playoff appearances. This experience, overseeing a massive and complex operation at a national championship-contending program, is believed to be a crucial factor in his appointment.
The move is being widely interpreted as a bold statement by the University of Oklahoma, demonstrating a commitment to sustained success across all athletic programs. As Athletic Director, Venables will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the university’s athletic department, including coaching hires, financial management, facilities development, and student-athlete welfare. His innate understanding of what it takes to win at the highest level, both on and off the field, is expected to bring a fresh perspective and renewed energy to the department.
The college football world is already abuzz with speculation regarding Venables’ first moves as Athletic Director. The question of who will succeed him as head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners will undoubtedly be at the forefront of discussions. However, the prevailing sentiment is one of optimism, as stakeholders believe Venables’ leadership will usher in an era of unprecedented growth and achievement for Oklahoma athletics. His return to a leadership position within the NCAA, particularly in such a powerful capacity, is a testament to his enduring legacy and influence in collegiate sports.
