There aren’t many programs in the country with higher expectations than the folks in Norman have for the Oklahoma Sooners.
The 2024 team has undoubtedly failed to live up to those expectations, as OU finds itself with a 5-5 record with games against Alabama and LSU remaining on the schedule.
It’s Brent Venables’ third year with the program, and he’s got a 21-15 record to show for it, and is very likely staring at his second losing campaign. Oklahoma is 1-5 in SEC play, and unless they find a way to pull off a massive upset over one of their next two opponents, the Sooners will go 1-7 in their first year in the Southeastern Conference.
After a shocking 30-23 loss at Missouri this past weekend, a large portion of the Oklahoma fanbase is ready to hit the reset button. The reality is that — despite an impressive turnaround on the defensive side of the ball — the Sooners are farther from playing championship-level football than they were under Lincoln Riley.
After a Board of Regents meeting on Tuesday, Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione spoke with the media and shared the administration’s perspective on Venables’ future with the program.
“Obviously the season thus far has not gone as we’d hoped or planned,” Castiglione said, per The Oklahoman. “We’re mindful that we haven’t met the Oklahoma standard for 2024. That said, we truly believe in coach Venables and our team and are are completely focused on both supporting them and looking at all of the ways to address the needed improvements now as soon as possible as well as in preparation for next year.”
Castiglione was then pressed about committing to Venables being the head coach next season, to which he answered, “We’re focusing on all the improvements that are necessary now and for next year.”
Thanks to a six-year extension signed over the summer, Oklahoma would be responsible for $44.8 million if it parted ways with Venables following the 2024 season. For now, it appears that buyout might keep Venables around in Norman for at least another season, but if the next two games aren’t competitive, then all bets are off.
Oklahoma is on a bye this week and will host Alabama in its final home game of the 2024 season on November 23.
