Brent Venables’ next hire will be the most significant decision of his career.
Days after stating he wasn’t in favor of mid-season coaching changes, Brent Venables made the decision to fire offensive coordinator Seth Littrell on Sunday. Given the circumstances, he felt he had no choice. Oklahoma, a program renowned for its offensive innovations, currently ranks near the bottom in FBS for yards per play and shows no signs of improvement. The loss to South Carolina, 35-9, was even more disheartening than the previous defeat to Texas, prompting the need for change.
As Venables navigates this pivotal moment in his career, here’s an overview of the situation:
**Current Staff:** The firing of Littrell likely signals the beginning of several changes at the end of the season. Joe Jon Finley, a former Sooner, has taken over as the sole offensive coordinator, but given the struggles of the tight end position, his future at Oklahoma in 2025 appears uncertain.
Venables faces a crucial decision regarding offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh. Now in his 12th season, Bedenbaugh has contributed significantly to Oklahoma’s success, including recruiting standout players like 5-star Michael Fasusi. However, the offensive line has been inconsistent, blending portal transfers with homegrown talent, resulting in one of the least productive offenses in Power 4. While parting ways with Bedenbaugh could be risky, the current performance raises doubts about retaining him.
Kevin Johns, formerly of Indiana and Duke, has been promoted from analyst to co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach following Littrell’s dismissal. Venables mentioned that Johns, who has been focused on advance scouting, will adjust to his new responsibilities.
**The Stakes:** Venables has a record of 20-13 at Oklahoma, but just 11-11 in conference play. With a 4-3 record this season, the Sooners face tough opponents, including No. 18 Ole Miss and No. 21 Missouri, and need to win against a ranked team to avoid missing a bowl game for the first time since 1998.
If there’s no dramatic turnaround, Venables could be coaching for his job in 2025.
**The Opportunity:** The claim about Oklahoma’s role in offensive football is backed by history. The program thrived in the 1950s under Bud Wilkinson, dominated with the Wishbone in the 70s and 80s, and led the charge with the Air Raid in the 2000s. After a slump in the mid-2010s, Lincoln Riley revitalized the team, consistently scoring at high levels.
Since 1999, eight OU offensive coordinators have moved on to head coaching roles in FBS, establishing Oklahoma as a prime destination for offensive coordinators. A successful candidate can expect financial rewards, the support of a passionate fan base, and future head coaching opportunities.
**The Risk:** If the new hire is unsuccessful—or doesn’t achieve immediate success—they may find themselves looking for a new position by 2026.
