Brent Venables’ decision to change Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator reflects a culmination of frustrations during the 2024 season, marked by inconsistent performances and a lack of rhythm on offense. The Sooners began the season strongly with a 3-0 record, yet the underlying struggles were evident. Despite scoring 51 points against Temple and 34 against Tulane, these performances masked deeper issues.
The recent loss to South Carolina, highlighted by turnovers on the first three drives, acted as a tipping point for Venables. “It’s not just one or two games,” he emphasized during his weekly coach’s show, indicating that the decision to revamp the offensive staff was rooted in a broader evaluation of the team’s performance over several months. The Sooners’ inability to consistently play winning football on offense ultimately led to this pivotal change.
Following the initial success, the team faced a stark reality in SEC play, going 1-3. The lone victory against Auburn required a defensive miracle, further underscoring the need for a reset on offense. The decision to make significant changes came after careful consideration of the team’s struggles, particularly with their performance against tougher competition.
In the wake of these struggles, Joe Jon Finley has been appointed as the new playcaller. His familiarity with the playbook and the overall offensive system made him a natural choice for the role. Finley, who has spent considerable time with the team, is expected to bring a fresh perspective that can help the offense regain its footing. Alongside him, Kevin Johns joins the staff as co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Johns’ previous experience with quarterback Riley Leonard at Duke, as well as his work under former Sooners offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson at Indiana, positions him as a valuable asset to the staff.
Venables is cautiously optimistic about the potential for improvement. “If we make some incremental improvement, play to our potential, and do the things required to execute and win, we can be successful,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of execution in achieving the desired results. The hope is that the new offensive structure can foster better communication and adaptability, allowing the players to perform at a higher level.
The upcoming matchup against Ole Miss is set to be a critical test for the newly restructured offensive unit. The Rebels, known for their explosive offense and solid defensive capabilities, will challenge Oklahoma to demonstrate the effectiveness of their changes. Venables’ faith in his coaching staff and players will be put to the test as they face a formidable opponent in a high-pressure environment.
As the season progresses, the Sooners will need to not only adapt but also overcome the challenges posed by a tough schedule. Success in the SEC requires not only skill but also a cohesive game plan that can be executed under pressure. The stakes are high, and the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Oklahoma can turn their season around and contend effectively in the conference.
With a renewed focus and strategic adjustments in place, Venables and his coaching staff will be keenly observing how well their players respond to the changes. The fate of the season may hinge on this critical juncture as the Sooners strive to reclaim their competitive edge.
