Nick Saban believes Oklahoma is 'making a lot of steps in the right direction'

Oklahoma faces one of the nation’s toughest schedules amid a transition into the SEC, but Nick Saban expressed full confidence in Brent Venables to lead the Sooners into this new era.

Saban is down in Dallas, TX for SEC Media Days, where the addition of Texas and Oklahoma into the league is the major talking point this season. When Oklahoma was brought up to Saban while on the SEC Network desk, the former Alabama coach praised OU’s robust football history and pledged confidence in its future.

“This is a fantastic program that’s had as much tradition as any school in the country. A lot of great people,” remarked Saban, who then complimented current Sooner coach Brent Venables.

“I think they’re making a lot of steps in the right direction,” he continued. “I think Brent has done a really really good job there of restoring some of that tradition, and now, to be in the SEC is going to give them the opportunity to play some really great competition.”

Nick Saban even revealed the one thing that Venables told him which really has him encouraged about Oklahoma.

“The one thing Brent said to me that struck home was… ‘We have a lot of guys on our team who can lead themselves.'”

The legendary former coach really loved that line from Venables. He explained that while having great team leaders is one thing, it’s most important to have a roster full of guys who can hold themselves accountable individually.

“Now, people talk about leadership all the time, but when you have people that are being responsible through their own self-determination, accountable to do what they’re supposed to do, that shows a lot of maturity in your team,” added Saban. “And I think that’s really key to being consistent in your performance over the long haul.”

Along with Nick Saban, former Florida tight end Benjamin Watson also chimed in to offer his respects to the Oklahoma program, also revealing what he’s gleaned from spending some time around the Sooners.

“Oklahoma, Coach, has a tradition unlike any other,” said Watson. “Going around that facility and talking to the coaches there, talking to some of the players, there’s a palpable excitement about what this means.”

Oklahoma is full steam ahead as they charge into their first season of SEC play. With powerhouses like Texas, Alabama, LSU, Ole Miss, Tennessee and others all on the docket, it should be an exciting 2024 for Sooner fans.