The University of Oklahoma (OU) took a massive blow after former Head Coach Lincoln Riley announced suddenly that he was going to take the head coach position at The University of Southern California (USC). 

The news broke Sunday of Nov. 28th, just one day after Oklahoma lost to their rivals in the 116th meeting of Bedlam against Oklahoma State University. 

Life long OU fans were not only devastated at the sudden news, but they were infuriated. Many are comparing the move to Kevin Durant’s decision to leave the Oklahoma City Thunder to join the powerhouse Golden State Warriors. Both of these Oklahoma heroes were loyal to their team, until they got a position elsewhere. In Oklahoma both Lincoln Riley and Kevin Durant are labeled as snakes and backstabbers for leaving.

After the news of Riley’s departure several top players recruited by Riley decommitted from OU. Three 2023 recruits have decommitted, including five star quarterback Malachi Nelson, five star wide receiver Brandon Innis and four star running back Treyaun Webb. 

Three 2022 recruits have also decommitted, including four star linebacker Kobie McKinzie, four star defensive lineman Derrick Moore and four star offensive lineman Demetrius Hunter.  

Oklahoma also lost several other coaches who decided to follow Riley to USC including wide receivers Coach Dennis Simmons, Defensive Coordinator Alex Grinch, defensive backs Coach Roy Manning, both linebackers Coaches and the Strength Coach Bennie Wiley.

Oklahoma was losing tons, they needed an answer. As soon as Riley announced his departure the question arose: who would fill his spot?

Instantly names were being thrown out. One of those was Clemson Defensive Coordinator and former OU Assistant Coach Brent Venables.

Speculation went around that he decided to coach, but it was formally announced late last Sunday that Venables was going to be the next Head Coach of the Oklahoma Sooners. 

Venables was the Defensive Coordinator for Oklahoma from 1999 to 2011 and was a finalist for the Broyles Award for the nations top assistant coach in 2006. 

Clemson hired Venables in 2011 as their new Defensive Coordinator, and he’s held that position since being rehired by the Sooners. 

Oklahoma had several impressive defenses under Venables when he was Defensive Coordinator. He definitely has some work cut out for him as taking the reins to such a prestigious program is not easy. 

But with the history Venables has at OU and the huge amount of support from fans and players, Brent Venables can easily mark his name in the future as being one of the best head coaches at the University of Oklahoma.

Contact Jaden Scamehorn @[email protected]