Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables remains secure in his position despite the Sooners' disappointing 5-4 record this season, according to Board of Regents chair Rick Nagel. Venables, who signed a six-year extension worth $10 million annually just months ago, has a $51.6 million buyout that decreases by $10 million each year. Nagel stated unequivocally that "our head coach, Brent Venables, is not on the hot seat. There is no hot seat. We just extended his contract."
Bowl Eligibility Hinges on Final Games
With three games remaining against Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and Missouri, Oklahoma must win at least one to reach bowl eligibility. The team's performance has followed a yo-yo pattern under Venables: 6-7 in 2022, 10-3 in 2023, 6-7 in 2024, 10-3 in 2025, and currently 5-4 in 2026. The coach's overall record stands at 32-20 with an 11-11 mark in SEC play and zero postseason wins.
Offensive Woes Persist
The Sooners' offense has regressed significantly, ranking 15th in the SEC in points per game (22.1) and 16th in total yards (338.4). First-year tight ends coach Jason Witten has taken over play-calling duties after the failed experiment with offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and quarterback John Mateer, both hired from Washington State prior to the 2025 season. Oklahoma's rushing attack has plummeted to 110.9 yards per game, last in the conference.
Critical Offseason Ahead
The upcoming offseason will be pivotal for Venables' tenure. He must hire a proven offensive coordinator with full autonomy to install a system and recruit a suitable quarterback. The transfer market for quarterbacks is expected to be expensive, but the university's investment in Venables suggests resources will be made available to fix the offense before the 2027 season.
