NORMAN, Okla. — Following a recent Board of Regents meeting, the president of Oklahoma and the athletic director expressed their unwavering support for head coach Brent Venables. The Oklahoma Sooners currently have a 5-5 overall record and are 1-5 in their inaugural season within the Southeastern Conference, marking a challenging period for Venables, who is in his third year as head coach with a general record of 21-15.
“Emotions run high during a season, but what remains constant is our dedication to him,” remarked Oklahoma president Joseph Harroz Jr. He acknowledged the transition phase the program is undergoing, noting that both the university and college athletics are entering uncharted waters, which may require time to adjust. “My commitment to coach Venables is unequivocal,” he added.
Venables stepped in as head coach after Lincoln Riley departed for Southern California at the end of the 2021 season. His initial season was tough, with the team finishing with a 6-7 record and suffering a loss in the Cheez-It Bowl against Florida State. However, in the following year, Venables saw some success as the team improved to a 10-2 record under the guidance of quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Despite this achievement, Gabriel opted out of the Alamo Bowl, leading to another setback when the Sooners were defeated by Arizona. Gabriel has since transferred to Oregon, where he is currently leading the Ducks as the top-ranked team in the AP Top 25.
This season, the Sooners have revamped their coaching staff by introducing new offensive and defensive coordinators, seeing some improvement in their defense under Zac Alley. Nevertheless, the offense has faced challenges, resulting in the dismissal of coordinator Seth Littrell after a disappointing loss to South Carolina.
Early in the season, Jackson Arnold was named the starting quarterback but lost the role before reclaiming it later on. Unfortunately, Arnold has struggled with consistency, notably fumbling in the final moments of a recent 30-23 defeat against Missouri, which led to a crucial touchdown for the opposing team. Compounding the team’s issues, key receivers have been sidelined for much of the season, and the offensive line has struggled, battling both performance and injury issues.
“We acknowledge that this season has not unfolded as we envisioned it,” stated athletic director Joe Castiglione. “We recognize that we have not upheld the Oklahoma standard for 2024. Nonetheless, we have complete trust in coach Venables and the team, and we’re dedicated to supporting them and identifying necessary improvements both immediately and in preparation for the upcoming year.”
The Sooners will take a break this week before facing off against No. 9 Alabama and concluding their season at No. 21 LSU.