Before Oklahoma transitions to the SEC in 2024, they have ensured that their head coach, Brent Venables, will be leading the team for the long haul. Venables and Oklahoma recently agreed to a new six-year contract extension that is reported to be worth $51.6 million, as per ESPN.
Venables originally had four years remaining on his previous six-year, $43.5 million deal that he signed back in December 2021 when he took over as Oklahoma’s head coach. In his first season at the helm, the team had a record of 6-7, but he was able to guide them to a much-improved 10-3 record in 2023, following the departure of Lincoln Riley to USC. The season included a significant win against arch-rival Texas in the Red River Showdown. Although the Sooners fell short in the Alamo Bowl against Arizona, they still managed to finish the season ranked 15th in the nation.
Prior to becoming a head coach, Venables built a strong reputation as a defensive mastermind, particularly during his time as the defensive coordinator at Clemson for a decade, from 2012 to 2021. The Tigers achieved remarkable success during his tenure, winning two national championships and six conference titles.
In addition to Venables’ contract extension, Oklahoma is gearing up for its move to the SEC, which was decided a few months before Venables was brought on board. The team will officially make the transition to the SEC in 2024. Despite the tough competition that comes with joining the SEC, there is optimism surrounding the Sooners as they head into the new season.
Leading college football analysts have taken notice of Oklahoma’s potential, with the team being ranked 17th in FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt’s post-spring top 25 and 14th in RJ Young’s post-spring top 25. Furthermore, the College Football Playoff field will expand to 12 teams starting in 2024, giving Oklahoma and other SEC schools a better chance at making a postseason run.
It’s been a few years since Oklahoma last appeared in the College Football Playoff, with their most recent appearance dating back to 2019. With Venables at the helm and a new contract in place, the Sooners are looking to make a strong statement as they enter the challenging SEC landscape in the upcoming season. Fans can expect an exciting journey ahead as Oklahoma aims to compete at the highest level in college football.