According to reports, Oklahoma is willing to pay Ohio State’s assistant football coach $3 million for the position of Sooners’ DC.

In the high-stakes world of college football, defensive coordinators (DCs) play a pivotal role in determining the success of a program. A strong defense can win championships, and finding the right coach to lead a defense is often just as crucial as hiring the right head coach. For the Oklahoma Sooners, one of the premier programs in college football, their quest to build a dominant, championship-contending team has led them to explore bold moves in the coaching market. Recent reports suggest that Oklahoma is willing to offer a lucrative $3 million contract to Ohio State’s assistant football coach to take on the role of defensive coordinator for the Sooners. This potential hiring has major implications for both Oklahoma’s future on the field and its place in the college football landscape.

The Importance of a Defensive Coordinator for the Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma has long been known for its offensive prowess, with high-scoring teams that routinely dominate the Big 12. However, one area that has consistently hindered the Sooners’ ability to claim national championships has been their defense. Despite boasting some of the best quarterbacks in college football history and routinely producing high-powered offenses, Oklahoma has often been criticized for having a defense that couldn’t quite measure up to the high standards set by elite teams in the country.

Historically, the Sooners have struggled to slow down opposing offenses, particularly in high-profile games against top-tier competition. In recent seasons, Oklahoma has been able to score with the best of them but has often been outmatched on defense, especially against teams that possess both an elite offense and a balanced defense. This has led to multiple high-profile losses, including in the College Football Playoff (CFP) and major bowl games.

Enter Brent Venables, who took over as the head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners in 2022. Venables, a former defensive coordinator at Clemson, was hired with the understanding that he would bring a strong, defense-first mentality to a program that had been synonymous with offensive fireworks but lacked the defensive chops to match. While Venables is known for his defensive genius and track record of success, it has become clear that the Sooners’ defense has not yet reached the level necessary to make them a true national title contender.

This is where the idea of bringing in a high-caliber defensive coordinator comes into play. Reports of Oklahoma’s willingness to offer Ohio State’s assistant coach $3 million for the DC position represent a significant step in the program’s efforts to bolster its defense and return to the championship conversation. This move would be a statement to the college football world that the Sooners are serious about building a complete team capable of competing for titles both in the Big 12 and in the future SEC.

The Significance of Ohio State’s Assistant Coach

At the heart of Oklahoma’s pursuit is an assistant coach from one of the most successful programs in college football: Ohio State. Known for its elite football program, Ohio State has produced some of the most talented teams in recent memory, and its defensive units have been a key component of its success. The Buckeyes have regularly fielded top-tier defenses, and their ability to stop high-powered offenses has been a critical factor in their national championship aspirations.

The assistant coach in question, widely regarded as one of the brightest defensive minds in college football, has played a significant role in Ohio State’s success over the past few seasons. This coach has been instrumental in developing young talent, preparing defenses for high-level competition, and adjusting schemes to counteract some of the most potent offenses in the country. His ability to build a defense that is both aggressive and disciplined has made him an attractive candidate for the Oklahoma Sooners, who are in need of exactly this kind of leadership on the defensive side of the ball.

Given the state of Oklahoma’s defense under Venables, bringing in a coach with experience at a program like Ohio State could be a game-changing move for the Sooners. The Buckeyes’ defensive philosophy—focused on a mix of physicality, versatility, and adaptability—aligns with what Oklahoma needs to elevate its defense to the next level. By securing one of Ohio State’s top assistants, Oklahoma would not only gain a coach with proven experience but also send a message to the rest of the college football world that the Sooners are committed to improving and becoming more well-rounded.

The Financial Implications: A $3 Million Salary

The reported offer of $3 million to Ohio State’s assistant coach for the position of defensive coordinator is notable for several reasons. First and foremost, it reflects Oklahoma’s desire to bring in an elite-level coach capable of making an immediate impact. College football coaching salaries have reached astronomical levels, particularly for top-tier assistants, and the $3 million offer would make this coach one of the highest-paid defensive coordinators in the country.

For context, $3 million is a substantial sum for an assistant coach, especially in comparison to the salaries of many head coaches in college football. The financial commitment demonstrates Oklahoma’s seriousness in reshaping its defense and shows that the program is willing to invest heavily to improve its chances of returning to prominence. By offering such a lucrative deal, Oklahoma is signaling to recruits, coaches, and fans alike that they are determined to build a complete program that can compete at the highest level, both offensively and defensively.

Additionally, the $3 million salary could have a ripple effect across the college football coaching landscape. As the Sooners continue to pursue top-tier talent, this move could encourage other programs to offer similar deals to their assistants in an attempt to stay competitive. It also sets a new standard for what top defensive coordinators can expect in terms of financial compensation. Oklahoma is clearly willing to pay top dollar for a coach who can deliver immediate results and take the defense to the next level.

The Strategic Impact of the Hire on Oklahoma’s Defense

If Oklahoma were to secure Ohio State’s assistant coach for the defensive coordinator position, the strategic impact would be felt immediately. Venables, as head coach, has already made significant strides in improving the defense, but bringing in a coach with additional experience at a high-profile program could accelerate that process. The combination of Venables’ defensive philosophy and the new coordinator’s expertise could create a more cohesive, dangerous defense for the Sooners.

The most immediate benefit would be an increase in the consistency and execution of the defense. Under Venables, the Sooners have shown flashes of brilliance on defense but have also been prone to lapses in coverage and missed tackles. With a new coordinator who has a proven track record of success, Oklahoma could see improvements in both fundamental technique and overall scheme. The addition of a defensive coordinator with a high pedigree would likely result in a more disciplined and cohesive unit, one that is better equipped to compete with the nation’s best.

Furthermore, the new defensive coordinator would bring valuable experience in game planning and adjusting to high-level competition. Ohio State has faced some of the toughest offenses in college football, including those of Michigan, Penn State, and Big Ten rivals. This experience would be invaluable in preparing Oklahoma’s defense for the high-powered offenses they will face both in the Big 12 and in the SEC, where the Sooners will be competing starting in the 2024 season.

In terms of recruiting, bringing in a top defensive coordinator could also have a positive effect on Oklahoma’s ability to attract elite defensive prospects. Top recruits, particularly those on the defensive side of the ball, are always looking for programs where they can develop under skilled coaches and play in a system that will maximize their potential. If Oklahoma can make a splash with a big hire like Ohio State’s assistant coach, it could help solidify the Sooners as a destination for top-tier defensive recruits.

Long-Term Implications for Oklahoma’s Program

The long-term implications of this hire could be profound. If the Sooners successfully bring in Ohio State’s assistant coach and improve their defense, it could set the stage for sustained success in both the Big 12 and the SEC. The addition of a top-tier defensive coordinator would not only address immediate concerns but also provide the foundation for a defense capable of competing at the highest levels for years to come.

Moreover, Oklahoma’s push to secure such a highly-paid assistant coach demonstrates a commitment to winning championships. This could lead to greater stability within the program, as recruits and current players alike would see that the Sooners are willing to make the necessary investments to build a championship-contending team. A successful defense, paired with Oklahoma’s historically explosive offense, could position the Sooners as perennial contenders in the College Football Playoff and the SEC.