Brent Venables’ offensive plan will be improved by the Sooners’ new offensive coordinator, which might increase Oklahoma’s offensive effectiveness and competitive advantage.
When Brent Venables was hired as the head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners in 2022, he brought with him a reputation for building one of the most feared defenses in college football. Known for his work as the defensive coordinator at Clemson, Venables was tasked with transforming the Sooners’ defense, which had struggled in recent years. However, his appointment also raised significant questions about how he would address Oklahoma’s offensive inefficiencies. Entering the 2025 season, the Sooners’ offensive struggles have been a notable topic of conversation. With the addition of a new offensive coordinator (OC), the hope is that Oklahoma’s offensive output will improve, giving the team a much-needed competitive advantage in the Big 12 and on the national stage.
The hire of the new offensive coordinator is one of the most crucial moves Venables has made since taking over the program. As Venables aims to establish a new era at Oklahoma, improving the offense has become an imperative focus. With a strong foundation on defense, the offense must now match the same level of intensity and efficiency to allow the Sooners to compete for championships. This article explores how the new offensive coordinator’s role and potential impact will reshape Oklahoma’s offensive plan, improve the team’s overall effectiveness, and position the Sooners as a serious national contender.
Brent Venables’ Vision for Oklahoma Football
Brent Venables came to Oklahoma with a clear vision for the program. Having spent over a decade as the defensive coordinator at Clemson, where he built one of the best defenses in the nation, Venables quickly made his mark on the Sooners’ defense. In his first year as head coach, he helped the Sooners make significant strides on that side of the ball, but he also inherited an offense that struggled to live up to its past expectations.
The Oklahoma offense has long been one of the most potent in college football, but under the previous regime, it had regressed. The Sooners were known for their explosive passing attack and high-scoring affairs under Lincoln Riley. However, after Riley’s departure to USC, the offense became inconsistent and, at times, predictable. Despite the presence of talented quarterbacks like Dillon Gabriel and a wealth of skilled position players, the Sooners’ offense could not find its rhythm. This inconsistency cost Oklahoma in critical games, ultimately preventing them from achieving the level of success expected from a program with such a storied history.
Venables knew that to achieve his long-term goals of building a championship contender, he would need to balance the defense with an offense capable of putting up points and controlling the game. While Venables made it clear that he would continue to prioritize defense, it was apparent that a new offensive approach was necessary.
The Hire of the New Offensive Coordinator
With the offensive struggles in mind, Venables moved quickly to address the issue by hiring a new offensive coordinator. The hiring process was crucial, as it would determine how the offense would evolve in the coming years. The Sooners needed someone who could breathe new life into the offense, implement an up-tempo, high-efficiency attack, and develop young talent at the quarterback position.
In 2025, Venables announced the hiring of a new offensive coordinator who was poised to bring fresh ideas, innovative schemes, and a more dynamic approach to the offense. The new OC’s background in both developing quarterbacks and implementing fast-paced offensive systems is expected to have a profound impact on the Sooners’ offensive effectiveness.
Improved Offensive System
One of the most significant impacts the new offensive coordinator is expected to have is the implementation of an improved offensive system that will be more dynamic and adaptable to different types of opponents. In previous seasons, Oklahoma’s offense had a tendency to become predictable, relying too heavily on certain plays and schemes. As a result, the offense would sometimes stall against defenses that had a clear understanding of what to expect.
The new OC will be tasked with installing an offense that uses motion, misdirection, and a variety of formations to keep opposing defenses off balance. A more flexible, dynamic system will make it harder for teams to scheme against Oklahoma, providing the Sooners with the ability to adapt to different defensive looks. Additionally, this new approach will help maximize the talent at key positions, including quarterback, running back, and wide receiver, allowing the Sooners to move the ball more effectively and score more consistently.
The new OC’s background in spreading the field and using tempo will also make the offense more difficult to defend. By incorporating an up-tempo, fast-paced approach, Oklahoma will be able to dictate the flow of the game, keeping opposing defenses on their heels and forcing them to make quick decisions. This pace will be especially effective for Oklahoma’s personnel, as the Sooners have the skill players necessary to thrive in a high-speed offense.
Developing a Quarterback-Friendly System
Oklahoma’s success on offense is often tied to the play of its quarterback. The Sooners have had a history of successful quarterbacks, including Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts, all of whom thrived in high-powered offensive systems under former head coach Lincoln Riley. With the departure of Riley and the arrival of Venables, the development of the quarterback position became a pressing concern.
The new offensive coordinator’s role in developing a quarterback-friendly system cannot be overstated. A quarterback-friendly system will make the game easier for Oklahoma’s signal caller by simplifying reads, using quick throws, and relying on quick decision-making. This system will also allow the quarterback to take advantage of the skill players around him, such as wide receivers, running backs, and tight ends, by creating space and giving them opportunities to make plays after the catch.
The success of the quarterback will be critical for the Sooners, and the new offensive coordinator’s ability to develop a signal caller will directly impact Oklahoma’s overall offensive success. With talented quarterbacks already on the roster, such as Dillon Gabriel, the new OC will need to focus on helping these players reach their full potential and play at an elite level. By incorporating a quarterback-friendly system, the new coordinator will ensure that Oklahoma’s quarterbacks are not only more comfortable but also more productive.
Increased Offensive Efficiency
Another significant improvement that is expected to come with the new offensive coordinator is a dramatic increase in offensive efficiency. The Sooners struggled in terms of moving the ball consistently and executing in the red zone in recent seasons. This lack of efficiency often resulted in stalled drives and missed opportunities to score points.
The new offensive coordinator will focus on improving Oklahoma’s execution in critical areas, such as third downs, red zone situations, and scoring efficiency. By creating more balanced play-calling and ensuring that every player knows his role within the offensive scheme, the Sooners will be better prepared to capitalize on every possession. The key will be finding the right balance between the run and the pass, using both effectively to keep defenses from focusing too much on either facet.
In addition, the new offensive coordinator is likely to emphasize smarter decisions, such as minimizing turnovers and avoiding penalties. By reducing mistakes, the Sooners will have more opportunities to score and ultimately increase their overall offensive efficiency.
A More Balanced Attack
The addition of a new offensive coordinator is also expected to bring about a more balanced offensive attack for the Sooners. For years, Oklahoma’s offense has been known for its high-flying passing attack, led by star quarterbacks and explosive wide receivers. However, the lack of a consistent running game at times limited the offense’s ability to control the tempo of the game and sustain long drives.
Under the new offensive coordinator, Oklahoma is likely to see an increased emphasis on the running game, helping to balance the offense and make it more difficult for opposing defenses to key in on one aspect of the offense. A successful running game will not only complement the passing attack but will also keep defenses honest, opening up opportunities for play-action passes and creating more space for wide receivers and tight ends to operate.
With talented running backs in the fold, the new offensive coordinator will likely implement an offense that plays to the strengths of the running backs, using creative run schemes and blocking schemes that allow them to succeed. A more balanced offensive approach will allow the Sooners to control the clock and wear down opposing defenses, giving them a strategic advantage.
Positioning Oklahoma for a Competitive Advantage
Ultimately, the impact of the new offensive coordinator on Brent Venables’ offensive plan will be measured by how much it enhances Oklahoma’s competitive advantage. College football is a fast-paced, high-stakes game, and teams need to be able to perform on both sides of the ball to be successful.
With Venables’ defensive acumen already in place, the addition of a new offensive coordinator with a proven track record will position Oklahoma to become a more complete team. A potent, efficient offense will take pressure off the defense, allowing the Sooners to remain competitive against top-tier opponents in the Big 12 and beyond. A revitalized offense will also allow the Sooners to be more flexible in how they approach different teams, whether it’s a high-scoring shootout or a more defensive-minded contest.
In short, the new offensive coordinator brings the potential to elevate Oklahoma’s offense to new heights. By focusing on creating a dynamic, balanced, and efficient offensive system, the Sooners are poised to become a more well-rounded team that can compete with the best programs in college football. With the right leadership in place, Oklahoma’s offense will help give Brent Venables the competitive edge he needs to restore the Sooners to championship contention.
