Oklahoma City, OK – The University of Oklahoma Board of Regents has officially approved a significant contract extension for head football coach Brent Venables, securing his leadership of the Sooners program through the 2029 season. The new six-year deal, valued at a staggering $51.6 million, underscores the university’s commitment to Venables as they prepare for their highly anticipated transition to the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
The announcement comes at a pivotal moment for the Oklahoma football program. After a strong resurgence in the 2024 season, which saw the Sooners finish with a 10-3 record and a decisive Alamo Bowl victory, there is palpable excitement surrounding the team’s future. This contract extension serves as a powerful statement of confidence in Venables’ vision and his ability to navigate the challenges of the SEC, widely considered the most competitive conference in college football.
“Coach Venables has not only restored a championship culture within our football program but has also proven to be an exceptional leader and mentor for our student-athletes,” said University President Joseph Harroz Jr. in a statement released by the university. “His passion for the game, his unwavering commitment to excellence, and his deep connection to the University of Oklahoma make him the ideal person to lead us into this new era.”
The financial terms of the contract solidify Venables’ position among the highest-paid coaches in the nation. His average annual salary will be approximately $8.6 million, reflecting the premium placed on his leadership and the program’s aspirations for national contention. The contract is also reported to include performance-based incentives that could further increase his compensation based on team success, such as conference championships and College Football Playoff appearances.
“My family and I are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of President Harroz, the Board of Regents, and the entire University of Oklahoma community,” said Coach Venables. “This extension is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our players, coaches, and staff. We are building something special here, and I am incredibly excited about the future of Oklahoma football, especially as we embark on this journey into the SEC.”
Venables, who previously served as Oklahoma’s defensive coordinator under Bob Stoops from 1999 to 2011, returned to Norman in December 2021 after a successful decade as the defensive coordinator at Clemson University, where he played a crucial role in two national championships. His return was met with enthusiasm from the Sooner faithful, eager to see him restore the program to its former glory.
In his first season at the helm in 2022, the Sooners faced an uncharacteristic dip, finishing with a 6-7 record. However, Venables and his staff demonstrated their ability to adapt and rebuild, leading to the significant turnaround in 2024. The team showcased a much-improved defense, a hallmark of Venables-coached teams, and a potent offense.
The contract extension provides stability and reassurance for both current players and recruits as Oklahoma prepares to join the SEC in the summer of 2025. The move to the SEC will bring a heightened level of competition, with matchups against traditional powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and Texas becoming annual fixtures. Securing Venables’ long-term commitment is seen as crucial for the Sooners to successfully navigate this challenging landscape and maintain their status as a national contender.
The announcement has been met with widespread approval from fans and alumni, who view Venables as the right leader to guide the program through this transformative period. The investment in his leadership reflects the high expectations and ambitions that remain synonymous with Oklahoma football. As the Sooners gear up for their final season in the Big 12 Conference before their SEC debut, this contract extension provides a strong foundation and a clear vision for the future under Brent V
enables.
