5 Dream ‘Big Name’ Defensive Coordinator Candidates for Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma (OU) has long been one of the premier college football programs, known for its high-powered offenses and significant historical success. However, after some recent struggles on the defensive side of the ball, many have called for the program to prioritize a revitalized and elite defensive presence. With head coach Brent Venables, a former defensive coordinator at Clemson, at the helm, Oklahoma is looking to return to its championship aspirations. A crucial part of this journey will be bringing in a defensive coordinator capable of maximizing the potential of the defense.

The position of defensive coordinator at OU is one of the most high-profile and critical roles in college football. With the right hire, the Sooners can become a juggernaut on both sides of the ball. Below, we explore five dream candidates who could potentially elevate Oklahoma’s defense to the next level.

1. Jim Leonhard – Former Wisconsin Defensive Coordinator

Overview: Jim Leonhard is widely regarded as one of the brightest defensive minds in college football. A former All-American safety at Wisconsin, Leonhard transitioned into coaching, where he quickly established himself as an elite defensive coordinator. He served as the defensive coordinator for the Wisconsin Badgers from 2017 until 2022 before stepping down following the firing of head coach Paul Chryst.

Why He’s a Dream Candidate: Leonhard has a track record of turning defenses into top-10 units nationally. His defenses are known for being fundamentally sound, aggressive, and opportunistic. Leonhard’s expertise in the secondary would be an immediate boost to Oklahoma, especially with Venables’ emphasis on attacking the ball and creating turnovers.

He is also highly respected for his ability to develop talent, as seen with numerous Wisconsin defenders who went on to play in the NFL, including standout players like Jack Cichy, Leo Chenal, and T.J. Edwards. Leonhard’s defensive schemes have been lauded for their versatility, mixing multiple fronts and coverages to keep offenses guessing.

Given Oklahoma’s need for a more disciplined, physical defense, Leonhard could be the perfect candidate to help implement Venables’ vision for the program.

Potential Fit at Oklahoma: Venables has shown a preference for coordinators with a strong sense of discipline and tactical awareness, both qualities Leonhard embodies. Leonhard would bring a winning pedigree and a reputation for developing elite defenses. His familiarity with the Big Ten, which often mirrors the type of power football seen in the Big 12, also makes him a strong fit for OU.

2. Mike Elko – Head Coach at Duke (Former Defensive Coordinator at Texas A&M)

Overview: Mike Elko is currently the head coach at Duke University but has made a name for himself as a defensive mastermind. Before taking over as the head coach of the Blue Devils, Elko was the defensive coordinator at Texas A&M, where he significantly improved a defense that had been underperforming prior to his arrival. At Duke, Elko has continued to build upon his reputation, leading a solid defense while also achieving success as a head coach.

Why He’s a Dream Candidate: Elko’s reputation as a defensive coordinator is exceptional. Under his guidance, Texas A&M’s defense went from one of the most porous units in the SEC to a unit that ranked among the best in the country. Elko’s defenses are well-coached and fundamentally sound, with an emphasis on preventing explosive plays and stifling the run game.

Additionally, Elko is known for his ability to develop talent in the secondary. While at Texas A&M, he helped produce multiple NFL-caliber players in the secondary, including standout cornerbacks and safeties. Elko’s versatility in his defensive schemes would allow him to adapt to Oklahoma’s personnel and needs.

Potential Fit at Oklahoma: Elko’s style of defense is known for being aggressive, disciplined, and highly technical. Venables could complement Elko’s philosophy with his own emphasis on creating turnovers and disrupting the opposing quarterback. With his previous experience in the Big 12 while at Texas A&M, Elko would also understand the importance of adapting to the high-speed offenses that define the conference.

Though Elko is currently a head coach, if he were to be interested in a return to defensive coordinator duties, the allure of revitalizing Oklahoma’s defense in a conference with championship aspirations might be enough to tempt him.

3. Dave Aranda – Head Coach at Baylor (Former LSU Defensive Coordinator)

Overview: Dave Aranda is another head coach who has made his mark as a defensive coordinator. Aranda was the defensive coordinator at LSU from 2016 to 2019, where his defenses were consistently among the best in the nation. His time at LSU was highlighted by his role in helping the Tigers win the national championship in 2019, when his defense played a critical role in shutting down some of the most potent offenses in the country.

Aranda’s success as a defensive coordinator led to his hiring as the head coach of Baylor University, where he has continued to build a solid program, winning a Big 12 Championship in 2021.

Why He’s a Dream Candidate: Aranda’s defensive units are known for their sophistication, high-level communication, and strategic deployment of personnel. He operates a multiple defensive front system that can shift between 3-4 and 4-3 alignments based on the strengths of his players and the style of offense he faces. Aranda’s defenses are particularly strong against the run, but he also excels in pass coverage, and his teams often force turnovers at critical moments.

His success at Baylor, including a Big 12 title, shows his ability to win in a league known for its high-scoring offenses, making him a great fit for the challenges Oklahoma faces in the Big 12 and beyond.

Potential Fit at Oklahoma: While Aranda is currently a head coach, he has deep ties to the Big 12 and would likely be a highly attractive option if he were ever to entertain a move back to the defensive coordinator role. His familiarity with the Big 12’s high-powered offenses and his ability to consistently shut them down could make him a natural fit at Oklahoma.

Aranda and Venables share similar philosophies when it comes to defensive scheme, and a partnership between them could lead to a dominant defensive era at OU.

4. Vance Joseph – Defensive Coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals (Former University of Colorado Defensive Coordinator)

Overview: Vance Joseph is a well-known figure in the football world. As a former NFL defensive coordinator with the Arizona Cardinals and head coach of the Denver Broncos, Joseph has a wealth of experience at both the college and professional levels. He began his coaching career in the college ranks, serving as the defensive coordinator at the University of Colorado before making the leap to the NFL.

Why He’s a Dream Candidate: Joseph is a defensive mastermind who has worked at the highest level of football. His defenses with the Arizona Cardinals were known for being aggressive, creating turnovers, and putting pressure on the quarterback. Joseph’s knowledge of NFL-level schemes and his ability to integrate multiple defensive philosophies would make him a highly versatile and dynamic asset to Oklahoma.

Though his most recent experience has been in the NFL, Joseph’s background in college coaching gives him a clear understanding of what it takes to succeed in the college game, especially in a high-powered conference like the Big 12.

Potential Fit at Oklahoma: Joseph’s mix of college and NFL experience could be invaluable to Oklahoma, particularly as the program looks to elevate its recruiting and compete at a higher level nationally. Venables’ commitment to aggressive, turnover-centric defenses aligns perfectly with Joseph’s style. Moreover, his experience coaching in the NFL would bring a professional-level intensity and discipline to OU’s defense.

5. Chris Ash – Former Defensive Coordinator at Ohio State and Texas

Overview: Chris Ash has extensive experience as a defensive coordinator at multiple high-profile programs, including Ohio State and Texas. He was the defensive coordinator at Ohio State during their national championship run in 2014 and later had stints with Arkansas and Texas, where he worked under head coach Tom Herman.

Why He’s a Dream Candidate: Ash is known for his ability to coach aggressive, attacking defenses. At Ohio State, he helped develop a defense that was one of the best in the country, with a unit that boasted an elite pass rush and a secondary that was dominant against the pass. His success at Ohio State earned him a reputation as one of the best defensive minds in college football.

His experience in the Big 12 at Texas also gives him valuable insight into how to combat the high-flying offenses that dominate the conference. Ash’s defensive philosophy centers around creating pressure on the quarterback and disrupting offensive rhythm, making him an ideal candidate for Oklahoma, a program that needs to make drastic improvements on defense.

Potential Fit at Oklahoma: Ash’s experience in both the Big Ten and Big 12 makes him an ideal candidate for Oklahoma. His defensive schemes are aggressive and versatile, and he would be a great fit under Brent Venables, whose philosophy aligns closely with Ash’s approach to defense. Given Ash’s previous success in high-pressure environments, he could quickly turn Oklahoma’s defense into one of the best in the country.