He has a lot to prove.
Paul Finebaum Names Major SEC Coach Who Hasn’t Shown He Deserves the Job originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The 2025 college football season is filled with pressure for some of the most prominent coaches in the sport. This could be their final season at their respective universities if they have another poor season.
Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables has been leading the team since 2022 after former head coach Lincoln Riley left for the USC Trojans. Venables was previously the defensive coordinator for the Clemson Tigers.
The Sooners have a record of 22-17 over the last three seasons, which included two years with a 6-7 record. Before Venables arrived, Oklahoma hadn't experienced a losing season since 1998. Last season, Oklahoma finished with a 6-7 record in its first year in the SEC.
On his show, "The Paul Finebaum Show," ESPN's Paul Finebaum was asked how many wins Brent Venables would need to keep his job. Finebaum responded that it's not a simple question.
"I don't think it's the number that is as important as which games does he win, and as we get to November, what kind of momentum?" Finebaum said. "I think he could lose a game or two early, but as long as he starts to get it together, he doesn't lose all of these close games like he did last year. I think he has to give the new athletic director, whoever that's going to be, reason to believe that he is the right person. So far, that hasn't happened yet."
Paul Finebaum Thinks Another Bad Year Will Cost Brent Venables His Job
Finebaum believes this is a pivotal year for Venables to demonstrate he is the right fit for the job. If he fails to do so and has another disappointing season, it could lead to his final year in Norman.
“He’s had two bad years out of three,” Finebaum previously said. “Oklahoma is not going to put up with that another year.”
If Venables is fired, it would mark the first time in over 25 years that Oklahoma has dismissed a coach. This is not a decision the Sooners are used to making. However, it might be the necessary step to get the team back on track if they experience another disappointing season.
Brent Venables' Buyout Numbers
If the Sooners decide to let Venables go, it will come at a significant cost. Venables' buyout will be $34.9 million after this season. This speculation from Finebaum arises just one year after Venables signed a substantial contract extension.
After the 2023 season, Venables signed a six-year contract that the Oklahoma Board of Regents approved in June 2024. The contract guarantees him an annual salary exceeding $8.5 million for its duration.
Initially, he signed a six-year, $43.5 million contract with the Sooners in December 2021. Venables’ contract is fully guaranteed, and after this season, his buyout will decrease by nearly $10 million each year until the contract expires.
Transfer Portal Additions, Led By Star QB John Mateer, Bring Optimism to Norman
Oklahoma's football team shows promise with its transfer portal activity, having added two notable transfers: former Washington State quarterback John Mateer and former California Golden Bears running back Jaydn Ott.
Last season, Mateer threw for 3,139 yards, 29 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. He also rushed for 826 yards, scoring 15 touchdowns. Although Ott faced injuries during the 2024 season, he had an impressive performance in 2023, rushing for 1,315 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns.
The Sooners have also added wide receiver JaVonnie Gibson, who recorded 1,215 yards and nine touchdowns while playing for the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions. Although he suffered an offseason injury, he has now been cleared to start running and may return before the season begins. Additionally, they brought in Jer’Michael Carter, who had 537 yards and three touchdowns while playing for the McNeese State Cowboys.
The expectation is that these changes will lead to a successful turnaround for Venables' team. Oklahoma’s season opener is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET on August 30 against the Illinois State Redbirds.
Related: Paul Finebaum Warns College Football About 6-7 SEC Team
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
