Oklahoma and football head coach Brent Venables have agreed to a new six-year contract that includes a “significant raise,” according to Pete Thamel of ESPN. The agreement is pending approval from the OU Board of Regents.
Venables, who initially signed a fully-guaranteed $43.5 million deal in 2022, still had four years left on that contract. He joined the Sooners in 2022 after serving on the program’s defensive staff from 1999 to 2011. In his first season, he led Oklahoma to a 10-3 record, their last in the Big 12, and will now guide them through their debut SEC campaign this fall.
In addition to Venables’ new contract, the Sooners are preparing for significant changes in 2024. Jackson Arnold is expected to become the starting quarterback under new quarterback coach and offensive coordinator Seth Littrell. The OU Board of Regents approved contracts for Littrell and new defensive coordinator Zac Alley through 2027, according to AllSooners’ John E. Hoover, solidifying the coaching staff for future success.
The board also extended contracts for defensive line coach Todd Bates and offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh, who has developed numerous NFL prospects during his 11 seasons with Oklahoma.
Thamel reported that Venables’ raise reflects an overall increase in program commitment during his tenure. Oklahoma’s recruiting classes for 2024 and 2025 rank among the top 10 in college football, with the 2024 class featuring five-star defensive lineman David Stone, one of the nation’s top 20 prospects according to 247Sports.
Under Venables, the Sooners improved from a 6-7 record in his first season to a 10-3 record, including a 7-0 start in 2023. With strong recruiting classes addressing defensive weaknesses and the potential of Arnold as the starting quarterback, Oklahoma is optimistic about continued improvement. This positive trajectory motivated the program to ensure Venables remains in Norman.
