EXCLUSIVELY: Brent Venables Reaffirms His Loyalty to Oklahoma Sooners: “There Is No Going Back, I Will Be With Them All Through the…”
In an era of ever-shifting allegiances in college football, one voice of unwavering loyalty has risen above the noise: Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables. In an exclusive sit-down interview with Sooner Insider, Venables made his position crystal clear.
“There is no going back,” Venables said. “I will be with them all through the battles ahead, all through the victories, all through the storms. This is my home.”
The definitive words sent a jolt of reassurance through Sooner Nation. After a rocky start to his head coaching tenure in 2022, Venables has helped steady the ship, build a new foundation, and prepare the Sooners for their SEC debut. Amid whispers of interest from other programs and speculation about whether he could be swayed by bigger budgets or NFL offers, Venables’ statement was firm and unflinching.
Rooted in Norman
Venables’ relationship with Oklahoma runs deep. He served as the defensive coordinator under Bob Stoops from 1999 to 2011, helping the program win a national championship in 2000 and cementing its identity as a defensive powerhouse in the early 2000s. After a decade-long run as Clemson’s defensive coordinator, where he won two more national championships under Dabo Swinney, Venables returned to Norman in December 2021 to take on the head coaching role.
“This place made me who I am,” Venables reflected. “Oklahoma didn’t just give me a coaching job—it gave me purpose, it gave my family a community. That kind of loyalty can’t be bought or sold.”
His wife, Julie, and their four children have embraced life in Oklahoma, and Venables often credits his family’s sense of belonging in Norman as a pillar of his long-term vision.
A Coach on a Mission
When Venables arrived, he inherited a program in transition. Lincoln Riley’s departure to USC had created a power vacuum, and the Sooners’ sudden instability—particularly on the defensive side of the ball—was evident in their uncharacteristic 6–7 record in 2022.
But Venables stayed the course. With a relentless work ethic and an emphasis on culture-building, he rebuilt the roster through the transfer portal and a top-tier 2023 recruiting class. In 2023, the Sooners posted a 10–3 season, including a signature Red River Rivalry win over Texas, signaling that the turnaround was in full swing.
“Everything we’ve been doing is about building something sustainable,” Venables said. “This isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about laying a foundation that lasts—physically, mentally, and spiritually.”
The SEC Awaits
Much of Venables’ focus has been on preparing Oklahoma for the move to the SEC in 2024. With perennial powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU waiting in the wings, the Sooners face a gauntlet unlike any they’ve experienced in the Big 12.
Venables isn’t backing down from the challenge.
“Bring it on,” he said with a smile. “We’re not here to just compete in the SEC—we’re here to win it. That’s the standard.”
He’s implemented tougher conditioning programs, revamped the defensive staff, and emphasized physicality in recruiting. The Sooners’ 2025 class currently ranks among the top five in the nation, and several top-tier defensive prospects have cited Venables’ coaching pedigree as their primary draw.
Former players like Brian Asamoah and Isaiah Simmons (from Venables’ Clemson days) have praised his ability to not only develop elite defenders but also instill mental discipline.
Rumors and Reassurance
As Oklahoma’s resurgence gained national attention, Venables’ name began circulating as a candidate for other high-profile jobs, both at the collegiate and NFL levels. In recent months, reports linked him to a potential return to Clemson if Dabo Swinney ever stepped down, and there was even talk of an NFL defensive coordinator role opening up with the Dallas Cowboys.
But Venables has heard the noise—and brushed it aside.
“There’s always going to be rumors. That’s the nature of the business,” he said. “But I don’t operate based on speculation. I operate based on conviction.”
When asked directly if he’d ever consider leaving Oklahoma for another college job, Venables shook his head.
“No. Not even for a second,” he said. “I made a commitment—not just to the university, but to the players, the families, and the fans. I don’t make promises lightly.”
The Long Haul
Venables’ long-term vision goes beyond wins and losses. He’s talked repeatedly about his desire to mentor young men, build leaders, and give back to the community. Under his leadership, the Sooners have launched new academic initiatives, increased their involvement in local service projects, and built a strong alumni mentorship pipeline.
He’s also been a driving force behind facility upgrades in Norman, including plans for a new player development complex and expanded fan amenities at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
“Winning matters,” Venables said. “But character matters more. I want our players to leave here better men than when they arrived.”
A Defining Legacy
For Venables, this chapter at Oklahoma isn’t just about coaching—it’s about legacy. He knows that joining the SEC represents a new era for the Sooners, one that will require grit, resilience, and unity. And he wants to be the one leading that charge.
“I want to look back years from now and say I was part of something historic,” Venables said. “I want people to say, ‘He gave everything to Oklahoma.’ Because I will.”
As Sooner fans prepare for the next chapter of their storied football tradition, they can rest easy knowing their leader isn’t going anywhere. Brent Venables is all in.
“There is no going back,” he said again, his voice calm but resolute. “I will be with them
all through the hard days and the great ones. That’s a promise.”