Oklahoma Sooners’ coach Brent Venables is facing a critical juncture in his tenure after the team’s 21-20 loss to Navy in the Armed Forces Bowl, culminating in a 6-7 season. This marks the second losing season under Venables’ leadership, a rarity in Oklahoma’s storied football history. The last time the Sooners had a losing record was in 1998 under John Blake.
Venables’ situation is precarious, but he will be given a fourth season to rectify the team’s performance. However, it’s unlikely he’ll receive a fifth season unless significant improvements are made. The 2024 season was deemed an undeniable failure, particularly after the team’s 10-win season in 2023, which earned Venables a contract extension.
Oklahoma’s transition to the SEC has been challenging, and the team’s inability to address its line of scrimmage and quarterback issues has been detrimental. Despite these challenges, there is optimism surrounding the team’s defense, which ranks among the best in the country.
To turn things around, Venables must focus on revitalizing the offense. He has already taken steps by hiring Washington State’s offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and recruiting quarterback John Mateer from the transfer portal. Additionally, the team has added offensive linemen Luke Baklenko and Derek Simmons to bolster the unit.
However, these changes may not be enough to resolve the team’s issues. The Sooners’ receiving corps has been plagued by injuries, and the schedule for the upcoming season is daunting. Oklahoma will face Michigan in non-conference play, as well as SEC powerhouses Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina.
The path ahead for Venables and the Sooners is arduous, but not insurmountable. If Venables fails to deliver, the excitement in Norman will shift from the football field to the coaching search. The pressure is mounting, and Venables must demonstrate significant improvement in the 2025 season to ensure his continued tenure as Oklahoma’s head coach.
