OU football hires Jonathan Gress from New Orleans Saints as new head trainer, boosting team’s health and performance staff.
The University of Oklahoma (OU) football program has taken a significant step forward in prioritizing player health and performance by hiring Jonathan Gress as its new head trainer. Bringing years of NFL experience, including a successful tenure with the New Orleans Saints, Gress’s appointment signals a renewed commitment by OU to enhance its athletic training, injury prevention, and rehabilitation efforts. This move is expected to positively influence player longevity, recovery, and overall team competitiveness in one of college football’s most demanding environments.
Background and Career of Jonathan Gress
Jonathan Gress is no stranger to the rigorous demands of professional football. His career as an athletic trainer spans over a decade and includes some of the most high-profile roles in the sport.
NFL Experience with the New Orleans Saints
Before joining OU, Gress served as a senior athletic trainer with the New Orleans Saints. During his tenure, he was instrumental in managing player health for one of the NFL’s most competitive teams, working closely with players, coaches, and medical staff to maximize performance while minimizing injury risks.
Gress’s responsibilities included designing injury prevention programs, overseeing rehabilitation protocols, and providing on-field emergency care during practices and games. His approach has always emphasized individualized care and leveraging the latest sports medicine advancements.
Under his guidance, numerous Saints players successfully returned from significant injuries, demonstrating the effectiveness of his training methods and rehabilitation strategies.
Educational Background and Certifications
Jonathan Gress holds a degree in kinesiology and sports science, with advanced certifications in athletic training and rehabilitation. His continuous pursuit of education has kept him at the forefront of emerging trends in sports medicine, including concussion protocols, injury prevention technologies, and recovery methodologies.
His academic and professional credentials provide a strong foundation for implementing cutting-edge training programs at the collegiate level.
Why OU Chose Jonathan Gress
The decision to hire Gress was driven by OU’s recognition of the increasing importance of specialized athletic training in maintaining a competitive football program. In today’s college football landscape, where players face intense physical demands and shorter recovery windows, having a head trainer with NFL experience offers a distinct advantage.
Bridging the Gap Between College and Pro-Level Care
Jonathan Gress’s NFL background allows him to bring professional-level care and discipline to the college environment. OU’s athletic department sees this as a way to not only improve current player health but also to prepare athletes for the rigors of professional careers should they advance to the next level.
Enhancing Injury Prevention and Recovery
Injuries can derail seasons and careers. OU is intent on reducing such setbacks by implementing comprehensive injury prevention protocols. Gress’s expertise in creating tailored conditioning and recovery programs fits perfectly with this goal.
His knowledge of the latest research on biomechanics, nutrition, and recovery science will help the Sooners reduce injury rates and improve the effectiveness of rehabilitation.
Supporting Player Longevity and Performance
With the length of college seasons and year-round training, players need sustainable fitness regimens. Gress’s approach emphasizes long-term health, ensuring athletes maintain peak performance throughout their college careers and beyond.
Gress’s Role and Responsibilities at OU
As the head trainer for OU football, Jonathan Gress will oversee all aspects of player health and athletic training.
Leadership of the Training Staff
Gress will lead a team of athletic trainers, physical therapists, and medical professionals. His leadership will include coordinating efforts across the athletic department to provide comprehensive care.
He will also play a key role in recruiting and developing training staff, ensuring that OU’s program remains staffed with highly qualified and motivated professionals.
Developing Customized Training Programs
Every player is unique, and Gress will implement individualized training and rehabilitation plans. These programs will be designed based on position, injury history, and physical assessments.
His focus on customization aims to enhance player resilience and reduce the risk of re-injury.
Collaborating with Coaches and Medical Staff
Gress will work closely with the coaching staff to align training programs with game schedules and practice intensity. He will also coordinate with team physicians to monitor injuries and recovery progress.
This collaboration ensures that players receive consistent, informed care and that return-to-play decisions prioritize health and safety.
Embracing Technology and Innovation
Jonathan Gress is known for integrating technology into athletic training. At OU, he plans to use wearable devices, motion analysis software, and advanced recovery tools to track player health metrics and optimize training.
Expected Impact on the OU Football Program
Hiring Jonathan Gress is more than a staff change—it represents a cultural shift toward prioritizing health and athletic excellence.
Improved Injury Management and Reduction
With Gress’s expertise, OU expects to see fewer injuries and quicker recoveries. His preventive programs aim to identify risk factors early and address them proactively.
This approach is vital in a sport like football, where even minor injuries can have cascading effects.
Enhanced Player Confidence and Performance
Knowing that they have access to top-tier training and care, players are likely to approach practices and games with greater confidence. This psychological benefit can translate into improved performance on the field.
Recruiting Advantage
Top recruits often consider the quality of medical and training support when choosing a school. OU’s addition of an NFL-experienced head trainer is a compelling selling point, showing the program’s commitment to athlete welfare.
Perspectives from OU Coaches and Players
Head Coach’s Statement
OU’s head coach praised the hire: “Jonathan brings a wealth of experience and a professional approach to player health. His presence will elevate our training program and help keep our players on the field and performing at their best.”
Player Reactions
Players have expressed enthusiasm about working with Gress. “Knowing we have someone who’s worked at the highest level of football taking care of us is huge,” one senior player said. “It gives us peace of mind and motivates us to push harder.”
The Bigger Picture: Evolving Athletic Training in College Football
Jonathan Gress’s hiring reflects a broader trend in college football, where programs increasingly invest in elite sports medicine and training staffs.
The Growing Role of Athletic Trainers
Athletic trainers have become integral in managing the complex demands placed on college athletes. Their role now spans prevention, emergency response, rehab, and mental health support.
Integration of Science and Technology
The use of data analytics, biomechanics, and recovery technologies is transforming how training is approached. Gress’s background positions OU to be a leader in adopting these innovations.
Jonathan Gress’s appointment as head trainer marks a transformative moment for OU football. His NFL experience, combined with a commitment to innovation and individualized care, promises to elevate the Sooners’ training program.
As the 2025 season unfolds, OU players will benefit from this enhanced support system, helping them stay healthier, perform better, and compete at the highest levels. For a program with championship aspirations, the addition of Jonathan Gress is a key piece in the pursuit of sustained excellence.
