Paul Finebaum explains why Oklahoma extended Brent Venables before move to the SEC

Oklahoma sent Brent Venables off into the SEC with a new extension after signing him to a contract worth $46 million over the next six years. It’s a decision that some have questioned but one that Paul Finebaum can see the reasoning behind in Norman.

Finebaum shared his view on Venables’ deal during ‘McElroy and Cubelic In The Morning’ on Monday. To him, it was the Sooners giving an answer before anyone asked anything about him as their head coach, even if it potentially backfires going further into the decade.

“I think Oklahoma felt he is the right guy and let’s not allow any questions to be asked. I think they were very cognizant of what was coming up like today,” said Finebaum. “Listen, I think it’s a fair question. When Jimbo Fisher got fired and you saw the nearly $80 million pay off? All the screaming and hollering – ‘How can you do this? What’s going on?’? I think what Joe Castiglione, who, by the way, has one of the greatest reputations in the industry as an athletic director, was saying is, ‘You know? I believe in him and we’re going to put our money where our mouth is. We’re not going to allow the questions to come.'”

“Let’s say Venables goes 8-4. You’re not going to ask that question anymore because it has already been settled,” Finebaum said. “I think it was a preemptive move.”

Venables has posted a 16-10 record over his two seasons at OU. That included a year-over-year improvement from 6-7 in 2022 to 10-3 in 2023. However, while they did win four more games, there are still some worries out there about he and the program are going to handle the move into the Southeastern Conference, especially with him locked down moving forward.

Still, Oklahoma has committed to the stability that comes with the extension. Castiglione and the Sooners seem more than pleased with Venables’ work thus far and want to see it continue as they realign into their next era.

This deal very well could come back to bite Oklahoma. It also may not as well. That all just depends on what happens next, including the results of this upcoming season.

However, for now, Finebaum sees a belief in Venables. That led to this contract that they’re willing to deal with the long-term repercussions of because of what he has done to this point.

“I just think they really have confidence in Venables,” Finebaum said.

“I think also, guys, that, if they make a mistake and have to pay up? It’s just part of the cost of doing business,” admitted Finebaum. “Quite frankly, there’s so much money going around that I think they felt the goodwill on the front end was worth the risk on the back end.”