Oklahoma is reportedly giving Brent Venables a new contract ahead of the SEC move

As Oklahoma begins SEC play in 2024, the Sooners have their long-term coach secured.

Brent Venables and Oklahoma have agreed to a reworked six-year contract worth $51.6 million, ESPN announced Friday. They had four years remaining on a six-year, $43.5 million contract he signed when he became Oklahoma’s head coach in December 2021.

Oklahoma, USC and FSU in Joel Klatt’s post-spring top 25

After going 6-7 in his first season in Norman, Venables helped get Oklahoma back on track in 2023, two seasons after Lincoln Riley’s surprise departure to USC. The Sooners were 10-3 last season, which included a win over rival Texas in the Red River Showdown. Oklahoma went undefeated at home, and both regular season losses were by one score. The Sooners lost to Arizona 38-24 in the Alamo Bowl and finished the year ranked 15th in the nation.

Before getting his first opportunity as a head coach, Venables was renowned as a defensive guru. His most notable work came at Clemson, where he was the defensive coordinator for 10 seasons (2012-21). The Tigers won two national championships and six conference titles during his tenure there.

Months before hiring Venables, Oklahoma opted to join the SEC, ending its longtime relationship with the Big 12. The Sooners will officially make the jump to the SEC in 2024.

While Oklahoma will be one of several SEC schools expected to make the College Football Playoff in 2024, it appears to be in a good position entering the year. Oklahoma was ranked No. 17 in FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt’s post-spring top 25, while RJ Young ranked the Sooners No. 14 in his post-spring top. The CFP field also expands to 12 teams in 2024.

Oklahoma hasn’t made the CFP since 2019.

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