In a major move to solidify their coaching staff as they prepare for their awaited transition to the SEC, the Oklahoma Sooners have secured coach Brent Venables with a six-year contract extension, according to reports. The new deal will keep Venables at the helm of the Sooners until the 2029 season and will significantly increase his total pay to a staggering $49.65 million.

With an average annual value of approximately $8.28 million, Venables' remuneration demonstrates the university's commitment to retaining his services amidst the highly competitive coaching market. This notable increase in pay reflects Venables' integral role in guiding the Sooners through their forthcoming journey in the prestigious SEC.

Previously a defensive coordinator and associate head coach under the legendary Bob Stoops, Venables rejoined the Sooners in 2022 after an impressive tenure as the defensive coordinator at Clemson from 2012 to 2021. Since his return, Venables has steered the Sooners to a record of 16-10, including a 10-8 standing in Big 12 play.

Following a challenging first season in 2022 that resulted in a 6-7 record — their lowest win total in over two decades — Oklahoma rebounded in 2023 with an impressive 10-win campaign, securing a No. 15 spot in the final AP Top 25 rankings. Despite an 0-2 record in bowl appearances under Venables, his leadership has sparked improvements on the defensive side of the ball.

In 2022, the Sooners finished eighth in the Big 12 in scoring defense, allowing an average of 29.6 points per game. However, under Venables' tutelage, Oklahoma substantially enhanced their defensive capabilities, reducing the average points allowed to 22.3 in 2023, ranking fourth among conference teams.

Taking a proactive approach to strengthening the defense, Venables has prioritized recruiting top-tier defensive talent. Under his guidance, the Sooners successfully secured commitments from three five-star prospects, with two of them specializing along the defensive line. These signings represent a significant boost for Oklahoma, as they hadn't landed any five-star defensive recruits since 2018.

Furthermore, Oklahoma fortified their defensive unit by adding eight transfers, primarily focused on defensive linemen and linebackers, in preparation for the 2023 season. Continuing this trend, the team recently secured two four-star front seven players during the 2024 transfer cycle, namely edge rusher Caiden Woullard from Miami (OH) and defensive lineman Damonic Williams from TCU.

This strategic approach to building a robust defense from the ground up positions Venables and the Sooners favorably for their impending move to the SEC. Renowned for its physicality and formidable competition, the SEC demands teams that can field elite athletes and possess the ability to counter the dominant linemen produced by powerhouses like Georgia.

By securing Venables with a lucrative contract extension and emphasizing defensive improvement, Oklahoma is making a statement that they are committed to becoming a force to be reckoned with in their new conference. As the Sooners officially join the SEC on July 1, fans eagerly anticipate how Venables and the team will navigate this transition and continue their quest for success.