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Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables is sticking around for a little longer. Venables signed a two-year contract extension on Thursday, keeping him in Norman all the way through January of 2032.
Venables took over the program after former head coach Lincoln Riley left and went west to become USC’s head coach. Since he’s led the program, the Sooners have compiled a 32-20 overall record and one College Football Playoff appearance.
Especially since joining the SEC in the 2024 season, Venables has had to navigate the success of jumping from the Big 12 to the SEC. While the Sooners closed out their first SEC campaign 6-7 overall and 2-6 in conference play, they finished last season with a 10-3 overall record.
Last season was the program’s first double-digit winning season under Venables along with posting a 6-2 record in conference play.
In terms of development off of Venables’ success, athletic director Roger Denny emphasized the importance of keeping Venables in place as head coach.
“Since I arrived at Oklahoma, I’ve had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with Coach Venables, his staff and our student-athletes,” said Denny, who started as OU’s AD in February. “It didn’t take long to see how well suited he is to lead Oklahoma Football. Coach Venables is elite at building culture — not just in the locker room, but throughout the entire program. Our players are drawn to him. They trust him, they believe in him and he has a unique ability to connect with young men and bring out the best in them.
But how does an extra two years help the Sooners in the long run?
Especially in the evolving landscape that is college football, having a strong foundation in aspects like recruiting is important. While Venable’s background as a defensive coordinator has brought in elite defensive talent, Venables also helped bring in transfer quarterback John Mateer.
Mateer finished his first season in Norman with 2,885 passing yards, 22 total touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Despite Mateer facing some lingering injuries, he was seen as one of college football’s strongest quarterbacks.
Defensively, the Sooners went after star safeties Prince Ijioma and Dakoda Fields in the portal to play alongside safety Reggie Powers III. The program also added defensive lineman Patrick Payton, who is coming off a 10.5 sack season with the LSU Tigers.
As the College Football Playoff continues to navigate future formats, having Venables in Norman for the long-haul will be vital to the Sooners establishing dominance in conference play and the postseason. With two 10-win seasons under his belt and his first CFP, Venables has the tools to carry Oklahoma on the same path in the seasons to come.
The Sooners kick off their 2026 season at home against UTEP on Friday, Sept. 4.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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