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Brent Venables announces plans to take over defensive play-calling in 2025

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•02/01/25•

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Oklahoma HC Brent Venables
Kevin Jairaj | Imagn Images

Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables will take over play-calling duties on defense in 2025, he said in a statement. He noted discussions about “all facets of our program” in his decision.

Oklahoma has been searching for a new defensive coordinator since Zac Alley left to take over in the same capacity at West Virginia. OU announced two staff additions on Saturday, including former Arkansas State defensive coordinator Nate Dreiling, as On3’s Pete Nakos previously reported was in the works.

Dreiling and former Clemson defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin are both coming aboard, Oklahoma announced. But it will be Venables calling the plays when the Sooners take the field in 2025.

“I have reflected on all facets of our program over the past several weeks,” Venables said. “Since I was hired as head coach, we have carefully assembled the defensive personnel and scheme that is suited to compete at the highest level, and we’ve built a deep and talented roster ready for the moment.

“I have high expectations for our program and will do everything in my power to achieve our goals for our players. To that end, I will take over defensive play-calling responsibilities for the 2025 season.”

Dreiling will come in as Oklahoma’s new inside linebackers coach and Goodwin is taking over as assistant linebackers and outside linebackers coach. They are the latest additions to Venables’ new-look staff, which also includes new offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle. He will continue to pair with quarterback John Mateer – the No. 2 overall player in the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings – after working together at Washington State.

“Adding Nate and Wes to our team, with their extensive and diverse experience, simply adds to my expectations and excitement for our defensive unit,” Venables said. “I’m energized by the prospect of getting back into play-calling and for the continued momentum I see us gaining with the strategic moves we’re making on both sides of the ball. The addition of Ben Arbuckle as a young, innovative and proven offensive coordinator, as well as the talented players we’ve added via the transfer portal, have me equally excited about the immediate future of our offense.”

Oklahoma ranked No. 5 in the SEC in total defense in its first year in the league, and the Sooners’ 115.08 rush yards allowed also ranked Top-5 in the conference. Now, Brent Venables will take over the play-calling for the first time since he was the defensive coordinator at Clemson.