Brent Venables clarifies Justin Broiles role with program

Justin Broiles isn’t a coach, but he’s making an impact at Oklahoma. On Saturday, head coach Brent Venables clarified the former Sooners defensive back’s role with the program.

“Justin can just encourage guys right now, but he’s not [a coach]. There are certain rules,” Venables said. “He’s an encourager and an effort kind of guy, and then he’s charged and all that kind of stuff. He learning how to be a coach.”

Broiles certainly has no shortage of experience. The Oklahoma native spent six years at Oklahoma, using his redshirt season and COVID year. The 5-foot-11 DB finished his career with 180 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

Further, Broiles wasn’t only effective on the field. For his impressive leadership, Broiles was one of three 2022 recipients of the program’s coveted Don Key Award, which is presented for “excellence on and off the field.”

Venables claims he always knew Broiles was destined to be a leader.

“We always called him Coach Broiles when we first got here,” Venables said. “No players came up to the offices for two months. He was the only one. We literally, for the first three weeks, thought he was a GA or something when we got here prior to the Oregon game, so he’s right where he belongs.”

Broiles was not treated like he belonged in the NFL. After going undrafted, the Chicago Bears signed Broiles to their rookie minicamp roster. The deal included a $2,000 signing bonus. Less than two weeks later, the organization waives Broiles.

Now, the veteran safety is back where he feels at home: Oklahoma.

“When we get an opportunity to put him in one of those [GA or coaching] positions, we will,” Venables said. “It’s a great opportunity for him to learn, grow and chase his passion.”

Brent Venables has a history of praising Justin Broiles

This isn’t the first time Venables has stood by Broiles’ side. In Broiles’ final season, fans scapegoated the safety for the team’s defensive struggles. Venables furiously defended Broiles.

“I’m not sure why he’s a lightning rod, why anybody would spend one ounce of energy being emotional and mad about a player that loves this university and has committed every ounce of who he is, every fiber in his body to helping this place be great,” Venables said. “I don’t know what’s behind that. That’s kind of disturbing, but it is what it is.

“Justin’s terrific,” he said. “He loves his team. He loves his teammates. He loves his coaches. He values his opportunity. He’s got a thankful spirit every day. He comes with a workman-like attitude, blue-collar work ethic. Every moment where something isn’t going right, he takes it on his shoulders. He bears that burden, even when it’s not his fault. He just cares. He cares as much as any player I’ve been around.”