Greg McElroy on Brent Venables extension: ‘Why now?’

Oklahoma extends Brent Venables | Is it a good move for early birders?

Brent Venables received a six-year, $46 million extension last week Oklahoma after two seasons leading the Sooners. Still, as glad as he is for him and them in Norman, Greg McElroy doesn’t necessarily understand why.

McElroy questioned the timing of Venables’ new deal during “Always College Football” on Monday. While he thinks he’s done well at OU so far, he worries this contract could put him in a bind as he enters the SEC. Especially since he wasn’t necessarily going to be on the move anytime soon.

“I think Brent Venables has done a good job. From year one to year two, massive progress was made. My question is why now?” McElroy wondered. “That’s not a slight on Brent Venables, it’s not a slight on the decision makers in Oklahoma. But what if Brent Venables—just saying what if—enters the SEC this year and it doesn’t go as planned? What if it goes into the SEC this year and maybe there are some challenges that you don’t foresee?”

“Now, I think Oklahoma is going to be pretty good. You know where I am. But was Brent Venables threatening to leave? Did Brent Venables have leverage to continue in the NFL or did he have other head coaching opportunities elsewhere? Like, what led to this extension?” McElroy continued. “I look at it — and, look, I don’t think it’s possible. If Brent Venables goes out and goes 4-8 this year, then guess what? He’s on the hot seat in 2025 and you might be tied to him and give him $45 million if you have to give up early on a guy who might not be taking you in the right direction.”

This does not specifically apply to Venables at McElroy either. No matter how well things go at the time of signing, things can always change, especially early in a head coaching career, which is why he usually leans more toward patience.

“Now, I say all of this by saying that I think Brent Venables is the right guy for the job at Oklahoma. But at the same time, I’ve always wondered why,” McElroy said. “It doesn’t matter how long your contract is. You can be fired at any time and you can also leave for another job at any time.”

However, Oklahoma seems to counter those thoughts with a desire for stability. As they join the Southeastern Conference, the Sooners want someone ready and in place to start this new era. That’s why Venables, with a 16-10 record so far, will now be under contract there for the rest of the decade.

To be clear, McElroy has no problem with Oklahoma sticking with Venables. It’s their choice and one they’re obviously happy to move forward with.

It’s not how he would do it, especially with such a massive change coming for them in less than a week.

“Am I watching Brent Venables? I think it’s at the top of the food chain, I don’t think it’s going anywhere. So what’s the point of rewarding him with a contract extension before throwing yourself into a league that could be much more difficult than the one he’s just inhabited for the last two seasons?” McElroy wondered.

“I’m happy for Brent Venables. I’m happy for Oklahoma. They have their type. We just didn’t feel that was necessary,” McElroy said. “But at the same time, if it makes them sleep a little easier? All for this.”