The Oklahoma Sooners have reunited with a former student of Bob Stoops as the newest coach under Brent Venables.
When Brent Venables was hired as the head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners in 2022, the expectations were high. Venables, a former defensive coordinator under Bob Stoops, was tasked with revitalizing a program that had seen its fair share of ups and downs in recent years. Venables’ arrival was meant to bring a new defensive-minded approach to a team that had dominated in the Big 12 for much of the past two decades but had been losing ground in recent years, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
In the wake of the change, Venables’ leadership style and commitment to a “return to basics” were welcomed by Sooner Nation, but there was also an understanding that he needed to surround himself with the right coaching staff to build a team that could be competitive not just within the Big 12 but on the national stage as well. This is why his recent hire of a familiar name in Oklahoma football—Jeffrey “Cale” Gundy—has sparked considerable excitement in Norman. Gundy, a former assistant coach under Bob Stoops, is returning to the Sooners after a brief departure, and his appointment is seen as a significant move in Venables’ vision for the future of Oklahoma football.
Cale Gundy, who spent more than 20 years with Oklahoma in various roles, brings a wealth of experience to Venables’ staff. His connection to Stoops and his deep understanding of Oklahoma’s football culture make him a critical addition to Venables’ coaching regime. Gundy’s return is viewed by many as an essential move that could play a pivotal role in the Sooners’ efforts to reclaim their dominance in the Big 12 and reassert themselves as a contender for national titles. This article explores why Gundy’s return to Oklahoma represents more than just a coaching hire—it signifies a deepening of ties to the legacy of Bob Stoops and a strategic move for the future of Oklahoma football.
Cale Gundy’s Legacy at Oklahoma
Cale Gundy’s story is intricately linked to the history of Oklahoma football. As a player and a coach, Gundy has been one of the most influential figures in the Sooners’ recent football success.
A Standout Player Under Barry Switzer
Cale Gundy’s connection to Oklahoma football began long before he became a coach. As a player, he was part of the Sooners’ football program during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Gundy played wide receiver for the Sooners under legendary coach Barry Switzer and was part of the team’s resurgence in the Big 8 Conference. His time as a player, which included key contributions in the 1989 Orange Bowl, helped solidify Gundy as a fixture in Oklahoma football history.
Though he didn’t have a lengthy NFL career, Gundy’s experience as a player provided him with a solid foundation for his coaching career. He understood the expectations of playing in a program like Oklahoma’s and later used that experience to guide the next generation of Sooners players.
A Coaching Career Under Bob Stoops
Gundy’s true impact on Oklahoma football came during his time as a coach. In 1999, he returned to Oklahoma as a graduate assistant under head coach Bob Stoops. It didn’t take long for Gundy to make an impact on the program. He eventually became the Sooners’ wide receivers coach, a role he held from 2002 until his departure in 2022. During his time coaching at Oklahoma, Gundy helped develop some of the best wide receivers in the country and contributed significantly to the team’s offensive success.
His contributions to the Sooners’ program were undeniable. Oklahoma’s wide receivers consistently ranked among the best in the nation under Gundy’s tutelage, with players like Ryan Broyles, Brandon Jones, and Sterling Shepard emerging as standout talents. His ability to recruit high-level talent, develop players, and coach them to play at their highest potential was a defining characteristic of Gundy’s coaching career. Throughout his tenure with Oklahoma, Gundy played a key role in helping the program win multiple Big 12 championships and make several College Football Playoff appearances.
The connection between Gundy and Stoops runs deep, with Gundy serving as one of Stoops’ most trusted assistants. Stoops himself has spoken highly of Gundy’s leadership and coaching abilities, emphasizing the work he did in helping develop Oklahoma’s offense during one of the most successful eras in the program’s history.
Venables and Gundy: A Strategic Partnership
Brent Venables, who took over as Oklahoma’s head coach in 2022 after a successful stint as the defensive coordinator at Clemson, has made clear his intention to rebuild Oklahoma into a balanced powerhouse. His emphasis on discipline, toughness, and defense is well-known, but Venables has also made it clear that he values team cohesion and the importance of having coaches who can relate to players and understand the culture of the program.
This is where Cale Gundy’s return becomes crucial. Venables’ staff, while talented, needed a coach who not only understood the intricacies of Oklahoma’s football culture but also had a proven track record of developing players and establishing relationships that could help build a strong team foundation. Gundy’s familiarity with Oklahoma’s system and the deep bonds he shares with players make him an ideal fit to help Venables achieve these goals.
Venables, who worked as a defensive coordinator under Bob Stoops before taking the head coaching job at Clemson, has always had a strong relationship with the former Oklahoma coach. Now, with Gundy returning to the fold, Venables has reunited with one of Stoops’ most trusted assistants, allowing the program to benefit from a continuity of leadership. This familiarity will be important as Venables works to instill a new culture in Oklahoma football while maintaining the legacy of success that Stoops built.
Cale Gundy’s Role Under Venables
As part of Venables’ coaching staff, Cale Gundy will bring significant experience and leadership to the offensive side of the ball. While the specific role he will assume is still being finalized, it’s clear that his contributions will be invaluable, especially in the areas of player development, offensive scheme, and recruiting.
- Developing Oklahoma’s Offensive Talent
One of Gundy’s most important roles will be to develop Oklahoma’s offensive personnel. The Sooners have had some standout players in recent years, but the offensive unit as a whole has been inconsistent. Under Lincoln Riley, the Sooners had a potent offense, but the departure of Riley to USC left a void in both leadership and scheme. Venables, as a defensive-minded coach, needs a trusted offensive coach to maintain and develop the team’s offensive identity, and Gundy is uniquely qualified to take on this challenge.
Gundy’s extensive experience coaching wide receivers will be especially beneficial. The Sooners have traditionally had a strong tradition of developing wide receivers who can perform at the highest level, and Gundy’s expertise in this area will be crucial for continuing this trend. Oklahoma’s ability to recruit and develop elite wide receiver talent will be vital to the team’s success moving forward, and Gundy is one of the best at doing just that.
- Rebuilding Oklahoma’s Offensive Identity
While the Sooners were once known for their high-powered, pass-heavy offense under Riley, Venables is focused on rebuilding a balanced, tough, and disciplined team. Gundy’s return will help bring stability and leadership to an offensive group that needs to find its identity in a new era. Gundy can help ensure that the Sooners continue to produce at a high level offensively, whether it’s through the passing game or the ground attack, while maintaining a tough, physical brand of football that complements Venables’ defensive philosophy.
- Recruiting at a High Level
Recruiting is critical for Oklahoma’s continued success, especially as the Sooners prepare for their move to the SEC. Cale Gundy’s relationships with high school coaches and his reputation as an excellent recruiter will be key as Venables looks to build a roster capable of competing with the top teams in the nation. Oklahoma has traditionally been able to recruit elite talent, and Gundy’s return will help ensure that the Sooners continue to bring in top-level prospects at key positions, particularly on offense.
- Mentorship and Leadership
In addition to his on-field contributions, Gundy will also play a key role in mentoring the younger players on the team. As a former player himself, Gundy understands the challenges that come with transitioning from high school to college football, and he is well-equipped to help guide players through the ups and downs of their college careers. His leadership and experience will be invaluable as Venables works to establish a strong team culture at Oklahoma.
The Bigger Picture: Continuity and Legacy
The return of Cale Gundy to Oklahoma football is not just a strategic coaching move—it’s a return to the core values that have made Oklahoma one of the most successful programs in college football history. His deep ties to the program and his legacy as one of Stoops’ most trusted assistants provide a sense of continuity that will help Oklahoma navigate the challenges ahead.
As Oklahoma moves into the SEC, the competition will be tougher, and the expectations will be higher. Venables and Gundy’s shared vision for the program will help guide the Sooners through this transition, ensuring that Oklahoma remains competitive at the highest level. Gundy’s experience, his commitment to the program, and his ability to develop players make him a crucial part of Venables’ plan for Oklahoma’s future success.
In the end, the reunion of
Venables and Gundy is more than just about football—it’s about rebuilding the culture and restoring Oklahoma football to its former glory. Together, they represent the past, present, and future of the Sooners, and their collaboration is sure to have a lasting impact on the program for years to come.
