Oklahoma Sooners Head Coach Brent Venables: Named Paul Bear Bryant Coach of the Year Award

In the world of college football, few accolades carry as much weight as the Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award. Named after the legendary coach who revolutionized the game, the award honors the best and brightest coaching talent in the nation. In 2025, that honor was bestowed upon Oklahoma Sooners’ head coach, Brent Venables, a man who has not only revitalized the program but also solidified himself as one of the premier minds in college football.

This award is a testament to Venables’ exceptional leadership, vision, and strategic prowess, which have been instrumental in transforming Oklahoma’s football program since he took the reins in 2022. His journey to becoming the recipient of such a prestigious award is a story of resilience, deep football knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

A Rising Star in Coaching

Brent Venables’ coaching career began in the late 1990s, a time when he was just beginning to make a name for himself in college football circles. He started as a defensive graduate assistant at Kansas State under head coach Bill Snyder. During his time there, Venables quickly earned a reputation for his defensive acumen, which led to him moving up the coaching ranks.

In 1999, Venables made a pivotal move when he joined the Oklahoma Sooners as their linebackers coach. Under then-head coach Bob Stoops, Venables became a key component of a defense that helped lead Oklahoma to national prominence. His expertise on defense, particularly his work with linebackers, proved invaluable as he helped mold some of the nation’s top defensive players. As Oklahoma’s defensive coordinator from 2004 to 2011, Venables helped the Sooners become one of the most formidable defensive units in the country. The team regularly finished among the best in total defense, with numerous players earning All-Big 12 honors.

However, Venables’ career truly soared when he left Oklahoma to take the role of defensive coordinator at Clemson University in 2012. Under his guidance, Clemson’s defense became one of the best in the country, winning national championships and producing NFL-caliber players. Venables’ work at Clemson was highly regarded, earning him recognition as one of the top defensive minds in college football. His units consistently ranked among the best in the country, and his ability to develop players for the NFL was a defining characteristic of his coaching style.

The Return to Oklahoma

In December 2021, after spending nearly a decade as Clemson’s defensive coordinator, Venables was named the head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners. The move marked the beginning of a new era for the program, one that was set to carry on the proud traditions of Oklahoma football while also embracing a new philosophy under Venables’ leadership.

Venables’ hiring was met with enthusiasm by Oklahoma fans, who were eager to see their team return to national championship contention after a few years of underperforming. While Venables inherited a program that had been successful under Lincoln Riley, he was tasked with revitalizing a team that had suffered a disappointing 2021 season. In particular, the Sooners’ defense had become a weak point, and many fans were hoping that Venables could restore the unit to its former glory.

In his first year, Venables immediately began making changes. He brought in new coaches to bolster the defense, implemented a more physical style of play, and instilled a strong sense of discipline and accountability in his players. Venables also emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with his players, creating a culture of trust and respect that would allow them to excel both on and off the field.

Venables’ leadership was evident from the start of the 2022 season. The Sooners showed improvement in several areas, but it wasn’t until the 2023 season that the full impact of his coaching was felt. Venables’ ability to motivate, develop, and lead his players became apparent as the Sooners returned to form, dominating in both the Big 12 and on the national stage.

The Road to the 2025 Season

The 2023 season was a defining year for Venables and the Oklahoma football program. The Sooners finished the regular season with a remarkable 11-1 record, securing the Big 12 title and earning a spot in the College Football Playoff. The team’s defense, which had been a liability in previous years, was now one of the most formidable in the country, thanks in large part to Venables’ coaching.

Venables’ ability to adjust to the ever-evolving landscape of college football played a significant role in the Sooners’ success. He understood that the game was changing, with offenses becoming faster and more dynamic. In response, Venables restructured his defense to be more versatile and adaptable. His defensive units were known for their ability to create turnovers, apply pressure to the quarterback, and shut down the run game. The Sooners became one of the most balanced teams in the country, capable of winning games with both offense and defense.

One of the most impressive aspects of Venables’ coaching style is his ability to develop players. Several players on the defensive side of the ball, including standout linebacker, defensive linemen, and cornerbacks, saw their stock rise dramatically under Venables’ tutelage. These players went on to become first-round NFL draft picks, which speaks to Venables’ expertise in developing talent and preparing his players for the next level.

While the defense was the most noticeable improvement, Venables’ impact on the entire program was far-reaching. The Sooners’ offense, led by dynamic quarterback Dillon Gabriel, thrived under Venables’ leadership. Gabriel, who had struggled in previous years, flourished under the guidance of Venables’ coaching staff. His decision-making improved, and he became one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country. The offense complemented the defense, and together they formed a balanced, unstoppable force.

The Sooners’ success culminated in a 12-2 record, a Big 12 Championship, and an appearance in the College Football Playoff. Venables’ leadership throughout the season was praised by analysts, fans, and former players alike. He had taken a program that had been on the verge of falling behind its competitors and turned it into a national title contender once again.

Paul Bear Bryant Coach of the Year Award

The culmination of Venables’ hard work and success came in January 2025 when he was named the recipient of the prestigious Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award. This honor was given to Venables in recognition of his outstanding leadership, his ability to turn Oklahoma’s football program around, and his success on the field in the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

The Paul Bear Bryant Coach of the Year Award is one of the most respected coaching awards in college football, and it is awarded annually to the head coach who has demonstrated exceptional performance in the field. The award is named after Paul “Bear” Bryant, a coaching icon who is widely regarded as one of the greatest to ever coach college football. Bryant’s legacy, built on championships, leadership, and success, is something that every coach aspires to emulate. Venables’ achievement of winning this award places him in the elite company of college football’s best coaches.

In a ceremony attended by former players, coaches, and football legends, Venables was presented with the award, and he graciously accepted it on behalf of his team. He emphasized that the award was a reflection of the hard work and dedication of his players, assistant coaches, and the entire Oklahoma football program. Venables expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to lead such a storied program and vowed to continue striving for excellence.

The Future of Oklahoma Football

As Brent Venables looks to the future, the Oklahoma Sooners are poised to continue their rise to prominence under his leadership. With a strong foundation in place, a committed coaching staff, and a roster full of talent, the Sooners will undoubtedly remain a powerhouse in college football for years to come.

Venables’ coaching philosophy emphasizes not only the development of players on the field but also their growth as individuals. His commitment to building character and instilling life lessons in his players is one of the reasons he has earned such respect within the college football community. Venables has created a culture at Oklahoma that values discipline, hard work, and accountability—traits that will serve the Sooners well as they continue to compete at the highest levels of the sport.

In the coming years, the Sooners are expected to challenge for national championships and continue to develop NFL-caliber players. With Venables at the helm, Oklahoma football is in excellent hands, and the future looks incredibly bright.

Brent Venables’ journey from assistant coach to the Paul Bear Bryant Coach of the Year Award winner is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence, his deep understanding of the game, and his ability to lead and inspire. His success at Oklahoma is just the beginning of what promises to be an illustrious coaching career, and the Sooners are in great hands as they look to continue their rise to dominance in college football.