Brent Venables addresses sideline demeanor, whether he'll need a get-back coach

First-year Oklahoma football coach Brent Venables is going to bring intense energy to the Sooner sidelines. That is the way he has approached the game his entire career, and he doesn’t plan to change a thing heading into the 2022 season opener against UTEP on Saturday.

“I’m a passionate, intense coach,” Venables said. “That’s just me. I know that my players are gonna look at me to lead. I get that. I want my guys to play with intensity, emotion and passion — all controlled. Whatever that looks like, I literally have not thought about it at all.”

Venables spent the past 10 seasons as the defensive coordinator at Clemson, where his animated coaching style was on full display. The Tigers even employed the use of a “get-back” coach to help usher him back onto the sidelines instead of drifting toward the numbers.

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However, that is not the plan heading into the year at Oklahoma. Despite the added responsibility of being head coach, Brent Venables is confident enough in his ability to keep himself in check while also still bringing his unique fire to the table.

“We’ve not discussed a get-back,” Venables said. “I seem to be in control of my role that I’ve had for a long time. Never had a penalty and my guys play at a high level. So that’s gotta stand for something. There’s more that’s on my plate. I’ve got to help manage a game and morale and motivate and special teams. There’s a lot of different things. I’ve got coaches that are gonna help in all those areas, but ultimately it’s my responsibility.”

Venables’ coaching style should be a good indication of the identity that the Sooners will take this season. The head man hopes to be an example for his team, encouraging them to play with the same passion and intensity that he brings to the sidelines.

“I’m looking for the right stuff from all of my players in every phase of the game,” Venables said. “To play with great effort. To play tough and physical and respond. Passion and intensity are great equalizers on the field, but it’s gotta be a controlled intensity. I think that’s important that I set that example for them.”

Oklahoma and UTEP are scheduled to kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT on Saturday in Norman.