Oklahoma AD Joe Castiglione addresses Brent Venables job status for 2025
Year One in the SEC has not gone well for Brent Venables and the Oklahoma Sooners. Their latest heartbreak came on Saturday against Missouri, blowing a touchdown lead in the final two minutes of the game. Questions about Venables’ job security are beginning to be asked and directly at OU athletic director Joe Castiglione.
George Stoia of On3’s Sooner Scoop asked Castiglione about his confidence level in Venables moving forward, admitting the 2024 season has not been up to standard. However, he did state his belief in the program moving forward under Venables.
“We’re mindful we haven’t met the Oklahoma standard for 2024,” Castiglione said. “That said, we truly believe in coach Venables and our team and are completely focused on supporting them and looking at all the ways to address the needed improvements now, as well as in preparation for next year.”
Later, Castiglione was directly asked if Venables would be back for the 2025 season, providing the following answer.
“As I just said, we’re focusing on all the areas of improvement that are necessary now and for next year,” Castiglione said.
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Venables is in his third year with Oklahoma, staring a second losing season in the face. The Sooners are currently 4-6 but close with Alabama in Norman and a trip to Baton Rouge to face LSU. They likely will not be favored in either and could miss a bowl game for the first time since 1998, the final year of John Blake.
Success in 2023 led to Venables receiving a contract extension in the offseason. Oklahoma got back to 10 wins and beat Texas in the Red River Shootout, the first real staple win under Venables. A new six-year deal with a raise was provided before the program entered the SEC.
“It’s unwavering right now,” Oklahoma president Joe Harroz said on his confidence in Venables. “We know it’s been a tough season… We have the right coach. This is our coach… Obviously, we’d like to have more success, but our confidence in coach is as steady as it’s ever been.”