3 Names Mentioned Most to Be Oklahoma’s Next Defensive Coordinator
The University of Oklahoma is one of the most storied football programs in the history of college football. With a tradition of excellence and a history of championship-winning teams, the Sooners are expected to compete for titles year in and year out. However, after a season filled with defensive struggles and disappointing performances on that side of the ball, the university is searching for its next defensive coordinator to help restore a once-dominant defense. The Sooners are looking for a defensive mastermind who can implement the right schemes, develop young talent, and bring toughness back to the defense. While there have been many names floated as potential candidates, three in particular stand out as the most frequently mentioned options for the next defensive coordinator at Oklahoma: Brent Venables, Mike Stoops, and Derek Mason.
1. Brent Venables – The Returning Hero
Brent Venables is perhaps the most prominent name on the list when it comes to Oklahoma’s next defensive coordinator. A name synonymous with the success of Oklahoma football in the 2000s, Venables served as the Sooners’ defensive coordinator from 1999 to 2011, during which time he helped build one of the most dominant defenses in the country. Venables was the architect behind a defense that led Oklahoma to multiple Big 12 championships, a national title appearance, and several BCS bowl victories. He earned a reputation as one of the top defensive minds in college football, known for his aggressive style, ability to develop players, and his knack for calling timely and effective defensive plays.
After leaving Oklahoma in 2012 to become the defensive coordinator at Clemson, Venables’ reputation continued to grow. At Clemson, he helped build a defense that was consistently one of the best in the country, culminating in the Tigers winning two national championships during his tenure. His defense in 2016 was widely regarded as one of the best in the nation, and Venables’ ability to adjust to the fast-paced offenses of today’s college football was crucial to Clemson’s success.
Venables’ success at Clemson, combined with his deep ties to Oklahoma, makes him a natural candidate for the defensive coordinator position. While the Sooners currently have a head coach in Lincoln Riley, who has been credited with revitalizing Oklahoma’s offense, the defensive side of the ball has seen some inconsistencies in recent years. Venables’ aggressive approach and ability to develop both young and experienced players could be the perfect solution for Oklahoma’s defensive woes. His familiarity with the program and his history at Oklahoma would allow him to hit the ground running and bring a much-needed energy to the defensive side of the ball.
In addition, Venables is known for his ability to recruit. During his time at Oklahoma, he helped bring in some of the best defensive recruits in the country, and his reputation as a defensive guru would give him an edge in recruiting for the Sooners. With the ongoing competition for top-tier talent in the Big 12 and the rest of the country, Venables’ ability to attract elite defensive players could be a key factor in returning Oklahoma to national prominence.
If Oklahoma decides to bring Venables back to Norman, it would not only be a return to form for the defense but also a message to the college football world that the Sooners are committed to becoming a more balanced team, capable of dominating on both sides of the ball. Venables has already proven that he can build and sustain elite defenses, and his leadership could be exactly what Oklahoma needs to elevate its defense and compete for championships again.
2. Mike Stoops – The Familiar Face
Another name that has been frequently mentioned as a candidate to return to Oklahoma is Mike Stoops, the former defensive coordinator for the Sooners. Mike Stoops is no stranger to Oklahoma football, having served as the defensive coordinator from 2004 to 2011 and later from 2012 to 2018. As the younger brother of former head coach Bob Stoops, Mike Stoops was an integral part of the Sooners’ defensive success during the early 2000s. His defense played a key role in Oklahoma’s national title run in 2000 and the team’s subsequent success in the Big 12.
Under Mike Stoops’ leadership, Oklahoma’s defense was known for its aggressive approach, often forcing turnovers and making game-changing plays. The Sooners’ defense under Stoops was ranked among the nation’s best in several categories during his tenure, and he helped develop multiple NFL players, including the likes of Trent Williams, Gerald McCoy, and Dominique Franks. Stoops’ reputation as a defensive mastermind was solidified by his success in both recruiting and developing defensive talent.
Despite his success at Oklahoma, Mike Stoops’ second stint as the defensive coordinator from 2012 to 2018 was met with mixed results. While the Sooners’ defense was often competitive, it lacked the consistency and dominance that fans had grown accustomed to under his leadership in the earlier part of the 2000s. In 2018, Stoops was let go as Oklahoma’s defensive coordinator after the defense showed signs of regression, particularly in big games. However, his familiarity with the program and the strong defensive foundation he built during his earlier years make him a potential candidate for the job once again.
Stoops would be a familiar face who understands the culture at Oklahoma and knows what it takes to succeed in the Big 12. He has experience dealing with the high-powered offenses in the conference and would likely bring back a tough, physical defense. His ability to develop talent and recruit at a high level would help solidify the Sooners’ defense moving forward. There are many who believe that Stoops’ return could reignite the defensive energy at Oklahoma and allow the team to get back to its roots of playing tough, physical football.
However, Stoops’ previous tenure with the Sooners could be seen as a double-edged sword. While he had success early in his career, his later years as the defensive coordinator were marred by inconsistency. Some Oklahoma fans and analysts are hesitant about the idea of Stoops returning, fearing that his style of defense may no longer be the best fit for the modern college football landscape. Nonetheless, if the Sooners are looking for a familiar face with deep ties to the program and a proven track record as a defensive coordinator, Mike Stoops is a name that continues to be in the conversation.
3. Derek Mason – The Outside Candidate
While Brent Venables and Mike Stoops are natural fits due to their history with Oklahoma, one name that has emerged as a potential candidate from outside the program is Derek Mason, the former head coach at Vanderbilt and the current defensive coordinator at Auburn. Mason has developed a reputation as a strong defensive mind during his time at Vanderbilt, where he was able to build a competitive defense despite the challenges of recruiting at a school with fewer resources than many of its SEC counterparts.
Mason’s defenses at Vanderbilt were known for their ability to play tough, fundamentally sound football. He consistently fielded competitive units that were able to challenge some of the best teams in the SEC. Mason’s ability to develop players and scheme against some of the most high-powered offenses in the country is a testament to his coaching prowess. He also has a strong background in recruiting, especially in the southeastern United States, which could be beneficial for Oklahoma as it looks to expand its recruiting footprint.
After spending time as Auburn’s defensive coordinator, Mason has gained more experience coaching in the competitive SEC and working with high-level talent. His defenses at Auburn have been consistently strong, and he has shown an ability to adjust to the modern trends of college football, particularly when it comes to defending against up-tempo offenses.
Mason’s defensive philosophy is one that emphasizes discipline, toughness, and versatility. His ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of college football and his experience in a power conference like the SEC make him an intriguing option for Oklahoma. If the Sooners are looking for someone who can bring a fresh perspective and a new defensive philosophy to the program, Derek Mason could be an ideal choice.
