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Oklahoma extends Brent Venables’ contract through 2031

8/21/2026

49 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Venables Secures Extension

University of Oklahoma signed head coach Brent Venables to a six-year extension averaging $10.5 million per year through 2031.
The deal adds two years and makes Venables the sixth-highest paid college coach.
Venables led Oklahoma to the 2025 College Football Playoff, its first appearance since 2019.
Quarterback John Mateer returns at full health.
Ben Arbuckle joins Oklahoma as offensive coordinator.

Summary

Venables Leads Defense

Oklahoma's 2025 defense ranked sixth nationally in yards allowed, averaging 272.5 per game.
The unit also ranked seventh in points allowed, giving up 15.5 per game.
It led the nation with 9.4 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks per game.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Venables has three national championships (2000, 2016, 2018).
Venables has overseen 17 NFL draft picks, including seven in April, tying OU's post-2018 record.

History

Historical Context

In 2000 Bob Stoops guided Oklahoma to a 13-0 season and the BCS national championship. By 2008 his salary reached $6.1 million, placing him among the sport’s highest-paid coaches and setting a precedent for big contracts. Brent Venables’ recent extension follows that pattern as Oklahoma invests in elite coaching to stay competitive.

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Venables Secures Extension

University of Oklahoma signed head coach Brent Venables to a six-year extension averaging $10.5 million per year through 2031.
The deal adds two years and makes Venables the sixth-highest paid college coach.
Venables led Oklahoma to the 2025 College Football Playoff, its first appearance since 2019.
Quarterback John Mateer returns at full health.
Ben Arbuckle joins Oklahoma as offensive coordinator.

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