Insider Notebook: Latest Rumblings on Oklahoma and the Future of the Coaching Staff
As college football fans eagerly await the 2024 season and the Oklahoma Sooners’ long-anticipated transition to the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the program is poised for a period of significant change. The Sooners have undergone considerable restructuring under head coach Brent Venables since he took the reins in 2022, with much of the focus on reshaping the culture, improving the defense, and ensuring that the team remains competitive at the national level.
However, with Oklahoma now entering one of the most competitive conferences in college football, there are rumblings regarding potential changes to the coaching staff and the future direction of the program. Head coaches and assistant coaches alike will be under increased pressure to deliver results in a conference that regularly produces top-tier talent, with powerhouse teams like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU setting a high bar. As such, this offseason has brought about significant discussions and insider whispers surrounding the future of Oklahoma’s coaching staff, and how these changes might impact the Sooners’ prospects in the coming years.
In this insider notebook, we’ll break down the latest reports and speculations regarding Oklahoma’s coaching staff, from potential departures to possible hires and key staff adjustments. This will also include a look at how these changes could influence the team’s ability to compete in the SEC, and how Brent Venables might approach shaping the future of the Sooners’ program.
1. Venables’ Leadership: Will He Stay the Course?
Brent Venables, the former Clemson defensive coordinator, took over as Oklahoma’s head coach in 2022, succeeding Lincoln Riley. Venables quickly began to implement his defensive-minded approach, focusing on building a tough, disciplined defense. While his first two years at the helm have been a mix of progress and growing pains, Venables has earned praise for his leadership, passion, and ability to change the program’s culture. Still, there are lingering questions about whether Venables will be able to take the team to the next level as Oklahoma prepares to make the jump to the SEC.
Pressure on Venables to Produce Results in the SEC
With Oklahoma joining the SEC in 2024, expectations will rise. The Sooners will face some of the toughest teams in college football on a weekly basis, and they’ll need to be ready to compete against the conference’s elite. For Venables, this transition will be the ultimate test of his coaching ability. After a successful run as defensive coordinator at Clemson, Venables was seen as a perfect fit for the head coaching role in Norman, but the SEC is a different animal. While the Sooners have had some solid moments in his first two seasons, their overall record (especially in big games) hasn’t fully reflected the championship aspirations that fans have come to expect from Oklahoma.
The biggest question surrounding Venables is whether he will continue to have the full backing of the administration and fanbase should the team struggle in its first few seasons in the SEC. It’s no secret that there’s pressure to win at a high level at Oklahoma, and the program’s move to the SEC only adds to the urgency.
Sources indicate that Venables has the support of athletic director Joe Castiglione, who has long been a proponent of giving head coaches the time to build their programs. However, the increasing demands and the challenges of the SEC may force Oklahoma to accelerate its timeline. As of now, there’s no indication that Venables is on the hot seat, but much depends on how quickly he can adapt his program to meet the rigorous competition in the SEC.
2. Potential Coaching Departures: Could Oklahoma Lose Key Staff?
While Venables is entrenched as the head coach, the future of some of Oklahoma’s assistant coaches is a subject of much speculation. Assistant coaches often come under scrutiny when a program undergoes a significant shift in competition and expectations, and several members of Venables’ staff have been the subject of rumors. Here are a few key assistants whose futures may be in play as Oklahoma moves into the SEC:
Jeff Lebby – Offensive Coordinator
Jeff Lebby, the Sooners’ offensive coordinator, is one of the most scrutinized coaches on the staff. Known for his up-tempo, high-scoring offensive system, Lebby has worked with some of the top quarterbacks in recent years, including Matt Corral at Ole Miss and Dillon Gabriel at Oklahoma. While Oklahoma’s offense has had flashes of brilliance, there have been concerns about its consistency, particularly in big games. The Sooners struggled to put away top opponents at times, especially when it came to making adjustments and scoring in crunch-time situations.
As Oklahoma enters the SEC, the competition will only get tougher, and the offensive system will need to be more efficient and balanced to compete with the likes of Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. Despite his strong offensive background, Lebby’s performance in key moments has raised questions about his long-term fit at Oklahoma. If the Sooners continue to falter offensively in high-pressure situations, there could be pressure to make a change at offensive coordinator.
Insiders suggest that Lebby’s future in Norman is still somewhat uncertain, though there have been no concrete reports of him being on the verge of leaving. That said, he has reportedly been contacted by other programs, and with the transfer portal in full swing, many teams are looking to bolster their offensive staff. Lebby is considered a talented coach, so if Oklahoma were to make a move, he would have plenty of opportunities in the future, but for now, it’s likely that he remains in place heading into 2024.
Ted Roof – Defensive Coordinator
Ted Roof, the defensive coordinator at Oklahoma, has been another figure under scrutiny. Roof came to Oklahoma with Brent Venables from Clemson, and he has worked to implement a more aggressive defensive scheme for the Sooners. While improvements were evident in 2023, Oklahoma’s defense still has a long way to go before it is considered one of the best in the country, and the pressure to improve will only increase with the jump to the SEC.
Roof’s system is reliant on creating pressure up front and forcing turnovers, but Oklahoma has often struggled to contain mobile quarterbacks and shut down high-powered offenses. If the Sooners’ defense fails to improve in 2024, there could be calls for a change at defensive coordinator. Venables is known for his defensive acumen, but with the SEC’s elite offenses coming to town, the Sooners may need to bring in additional expertise to shore up the defense.
Roof is well-regarded for his experience and defensive knowledge, but sources close to the program have suggested that if things don’t improve, there could be some reshuffling on the defensive staff. As with Lebby, Roof is also reportedly on the radar of other programs, but for now, he remains in charge of the defense.
Other Assistant Coaches
There have been whispers regarding other potential changes to the coaching staff, especially in areas where Oklahoma has struggled. These include changes to the offensive line coaching staff and special teams. Oklahoma’s offensive line has been inconsistent in recent seasons, and with the team’s move to the SEC, ensuring that the offensive line can hold up against some of the best defensive fronts in the country will be paramount.
Additionally, Oklahoma’s special teams have had some ups and downs, and some insiders believe there could be a move to bring in a new special teams coordinator. Special teams are often overlooked, but in the SEC, they can make the difference between winning and losing close games. If the Sooners want to compete at a high level in the SEC, ensuring that all facets of the team are solid will be key.
3. Future of the Coaching Staff: Potential New Hires and Adjustments
As Venables looks to strengthen his coaching staff for the SEC, there are a few names that could be on the radar for new hires or promotions.
Promotions Within the Staff
One potential adjustment could involve promoting from within the current staff. If Oklahoma opts to part ways with some of its assistants, it could look to promote promising coaches already on the staff to fill the voids. For example, Venables could elevate one of the current defensive assistants if he decides to make a change at defensive coordinator. This would provide continuity and minimize disruption to the team as it adjusts to SEC competition.
Targeting Experienced SEC Coaches
Venables has deep ties to the SEC, both from his time at Clemson and his extensive experience in the coaching world. If he opts to make changes to the staff, he could look to bring in coaches with experience in the SEC who can help Oklahoma navigate the brutal conference schedule. A hire with SEC experience could be an immediate asset, particularly for areas like the offensive line, defensive backs, and special teams.
Given Oklahoma’s strong recruiting and the long-term vision that Venables has for the program, it’s clear that the Sooners are positioning themselves for sustained success. However, in the short term, their ability to make the right coaching adjustments and add fresh perspectives to the staff will be crucial to maintaining competitiveness in the SEC.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Oklahoma’s Coaching Staff?
Oklahoma’s coaching staff will be under the microscope in the coming months, as the Sooners prepare to join the SEC and face some of the toughest competition in college football. While there is no immediate indication that major changes are coming to the staff, there are rumblings that coaching adjustments could be on the horizon, particularly if certain areas of the team fail to meet expectations in the upcoming season.
For Brent Venables, the pressure to succeed in the SEC is real. While he has shown flashes of brilliance in his first two years as head coach, he will need to further solidify his coaching staff, make necessary adjustments, and ensure that the Sooners are ready to compete with the best of the best.
As we move into 2024, expect Oklahoma to make strategic moves in the transfer portal and on the coaching staff. The future of the Sooners will be determined by their ability to adapt, improve, and ultimately thrive in one of the toughest football conferences in the nation.
