Brent Venables must “pretty quickly” improve Oklahoma, according to Paul Finebaum.

The University of Oklahoma Sooners football program has long been one of the most storied in college football, known for its winning tradition, prolific offenses, and consistent presence in the national spotlight. From the days of Barry Switzer to the more recent years under Lincoln Riley, Oklahoma has enjoyed sustained success in the Big 12 and across college football. However, after Riley’s departure to USC, the program entered a new era under Brent Venables, a former defensive coordinator at Clemson who took over the Sooners’ head coaching job in 2022.

Venables’ appointment was met with a great deal of optimism. His pedigree as one of the best defensive minds in the country, coupled with his deep ties to Oklahoma and his commitment to building a physical and disciplined football team, led many to believe that he could quickly return the program to its championship-contending status. However, following a disappointing 2022 season in which the Sooners finished with a 6-7 record, questions have started to arise about the trajectory of the program under Venables.

One of the loudest voices calling for immediate improvement is Paul Finebaum, the respected college football analyst and host of “The Paul Finebaum Show.” Finebaum, a long-time observer of college football, is known for his candid takes on the state of major programs, and he has made it clear that Venables must improve Oklahoma’s performance “pretty quickly.” In this article, we will dive into Finebaum’s remarks, analyze the expectations surrounding Venables and the Sooners, and explore the challenges that the head coach faces as he looks to turn Oklahoma’s fortunes around.

Finebaum’s Criticism: A Call for Immediate Results

In recent appearances, Paul Finebaum has expressed concern about Oklahoma’s lackluster performance in Venables’ first season at the helm. Despite Venables’ considerable experience as a defensive coordinator, Finebaum has been vocal about the urgency of the situation. “Brent Venables has to improve this program pretty quickly,” Finebaum said during one of his radio segments. “The Sooners are not used to losing seasons, and they expect a lot more than what they saw in 2022.”

Finebaum’s comments reflect the reality that Oklahoma fans, alumni, and boosters expect immediate results from a program with such a rich history of success. In recent years, the Sooners have been regular contenders for the College Football Playoff and have boasted Heisman Trophy winners like Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray. The 2022 season, which saw Oklahoma struggle through its first year under Venables, was a wake-up call for many who had assumed that Venables would seamlessly take over and continue the program’s high standard of excellence.

While Finebaum acknowledged that Venables had inherited a challenging situation, especially with the loss of key players to the NFL and the transfer portal, he emphasized that the program’s lofty expectations demand quicker progress. Finebaum made it clear that Oklahoma can’t afford to spend several years rebuilding—especially in the face of rising competition from other Big 12 schools and the looming threat of the SEC, which the Sooners will join in 2025.

The 2022 Season: A Disappointing Start

Venables’ first season in Norman did not go as planned. The Sooners finished with a 6-7 record, marking their first losing season since 1998. Oklahoma dropped games to teams it was expected to beat, including Kansas State, TCU, and Texas Tech, and they struggled to maintain any sort of consistency on either side of the ball. The defense, which had been Venables’ calling card at Clemson, failed to live up to expectations, ranking 90th in total defense among FBS schools. This was a far cry from the top-tier defenses that Venables had helped orchestrate at Clemson.

Offensively, the Sooners had issues at quarterback and struggled to replace the dynamic play of previous stars like Caleb Williams and Spencer Rattler, both of whom had transferred to USC. While Dylan Gabriel showed promise, he was not able to consistently elevate the offense in a way that Oklahoma fans had come to expect.

The struggles on both sides of the ball were compounded by the challenges of roster turnover. Venables inherited a roster in flux, with several key players leaving through the transfer portal, including high-profile defensive recruits. The combination of roster issues, inconsistent play, and a grueling schedule made 2022 a difficult season for Venables and his staff.

Despite the challenges, Venables remained confident in his ability to turn things around. However, Finebaum’s commentary serves as a reminder of how quickly the pressure mounts at a program like Oklahoma. The Sooners have historically been one of the top teams in college football, and while there is patience for a new coach to implement their system, there is also an expectation that the team should return to competitiveness fairly quickly.

Venables’ Vision: Building a Championship Culture

Despite the rough start in 2022, Venables remains steadfast in his long-term vision for the program. He has consistently stated that his goal is to build a championship culture at Oklahoma, one that emphasizes toughness, discipline, and a commitment to excellence in all phases of the game. While this culture takes time to establish, Venables believes it is essential for the program to return to national contention.

Part of this process involves recruiting players who fit his vision for the team. Venables is a defensive-minded coach, and his first priority has been to improve Oklahoma’s defense, which had regressed in recent years under previous head coach Lincoln Riley. Venables has a reputation for developing elite defensive players, and he is determined to restore the Sooners to their roots by creating a dominant defense that can complement an explosive offense.

Recruiting is also at the forefront of Venables’ efforts to turn around the program. While Oklahoma has always been a strong recruiting program, the competition for top talent has intensified in recent years. Venables and his staff are working hard to maintain Oklahoma’s recruiting pipeline, especially as the program prepares to join the SEC in 2025. The challenges of recruiting in the SEC, where competition for talent is fierce, are significant, and Venables understands that building depth across the roster will be crucial for success in the conference.

The SEC Move: Added Pressure on Venables

Oklahoma’s decision to join the SEC in 2025 has only added to the pressure on Brent Venables. The SEC is widely regarded as the most competitive conference in college football, and schools like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU consistently dominate the national landscape. For Venables and the Sooners, the move to the SEC means they will be facing even stiffer competition, which in turn raises the stakes for his success in the coming years.

Finebaum has frequently pointed out that the SEC presents a whole new set of challenges for Oklahoma, and it’s not just about being competitive within the Big 12 anymore. The Sooners will need to be able to compete with the heavyweights of college football, and Venables will need to prove that he can build a team capable of consistently contending with the likes of Nick Saban’s Alabama and Kirby Smart’s Georgia.

The move to the SEC, combined with the rapidly changing landscape of college football due to the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities, means that the pressure on Venables to perform at a high level is only intensifying. While there is hope that Venables can replicate his success at Clemson, he will need to prove that he can build a program that can not only thrive in the Big 12 but also in the cutthroat SEC.

Venables’ Path Forward: Key Areas for Improvement

There are several key areas that Brent Venables must address in order to meet Finebaum’s call for “pretty quick” improvement:

1. Defensive Development

As a defensive coach, Venables’ reputation is built on his ability to develop elite defenses. In 2022, Oklahoma’s defense showed significant weaknesses, particularly in the secondary and on the defensive line. Venables must recruit and develop top-tier talent in these areas to return Oklahoma to its defensive dominance. Improving the defensive line’s pass rush and ensuring that the secondary can cover opposing receivers will be essential.

2. Offensive Consistency

While Venables is known for his defensive acumen, he must also ensure that Oklahoma’s offense remains explosive and consistent. The Sooners have been known for high-powered offenses, and they must continue to excel in that area if they want to compete at the highest level. Developing a stable quarterback situation and maintaining offensive balance will be crucial.

3. Recruiting and Player Development

Venables must continue to recruit at a high level, both in terms of high school talent and transfers. The Sooners need to build depth at every position, especially as they prepare for the rigors of the SEC. Player development, particularly in terms of building physicality and discipline, will be a key factor in the program’s success.