OU Coaches Remain Tight-Lipped About Offensive Adjustments.
There are still many uncertainties surrounding Oklahoma as the season approaches, and head coach Brent Venables has no intention of revealing anything to future opponents.
As the Sooners enter their first season in the Southeastern Conference, they have new coordinators for both offense and defense. Joe Jon Finley, who previously coached tight ends, will now serve as co-offensive coordinator alongside Seth Littrell, who has transitioned from an analyst role to offensive coordinator.
Last week, at the Fostering Future’s OU Coaches Luncheon at Life Church, Finley and Littrell joined Venables to answer questions from fans and Toby Rowland, the voice of the Sooners’ football program. When Rowland inquired about changes to the offense under new leadership, Finley joked, “I wish I could tell you, but that guy over there would get really mad if I did,” pointing to Venables.
The Sooners first showcased the offense led by Littrell and Finley during the Alamo Bowl against Arizona and at the spring game in April, but it’s challenging to draw significant conclusions from those appearances. The Alamo Bowl occurred shortly after the announcement that former offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby was out, leaving the team with only a few weeks of practice to adjust and implement any major changes to the playbook.
Oklahoma was also cautious about revealing too many plays during the spring game, as that information could be advantageous for opposing teams looking to prepare for the Sooners in 2024.
Finley emphasized the offensive philosophy, stating, “It’s going to be an aggressive offense; we’re going to be an attacking football team — offense, defense, and special teams. We have players who can make plays down the field and powerful running backs to capitalize on opportunities. It’s our responsibility to position these guys for success.”
On the defensive side, the Sooners will continue without defensive coordinator Ted Roof, who has moved to UCF. Venables opted to promote from within, bringing in Zac Alley, a former Clemson assistant, to take over. He understands that opponents will be curious about whether the defense will maintain its previous style.
“There’s a lot that our opponents want to know about who we’re going to be,” Venables noted. “Will it resemble Coach V’s system? Will it reflect Coach Alley’s approach? Or will it be a blend? We’ll just let everyone figure it out when we get there.”
Alley brings a similar energy and approach as Venables, and after speaking to the audience for the first time, Rowland remarked on how closely Alley’s style mirrors that of Venables.
Venables described Alley not just as a coach, but as a player who embodies the qualities he values: “Zac is incredibly bright, with tremendous talent, vision, and instincts.” What sets Alley apart, according to Venables, is his ability to connect with players.
“He has a knack for simplifying complex concepts,” Venables explained. “He’s a great communicator, with high standards, attention to detail, and a passionate, demanding approach.”
