Wes Goodwin hired as defensive analyst.

[Rob Lewis_rivals]

He’s the former DC at Clemson. Being reported that Venables will include being a DC with Dreiling coaching linebackers and Goodwin serving as defensive analyst.
Five defensive starters at Clemson were drafted after the 2023 season and maybe that impacted the Tigers’ defense last season.
Goodwin was fired for the team’s poor defense in 2024, especially the lack of a good run defense.
But Goodwin carries a good resume and with Knowles off to Penn State, he seems to be a good second choice.

 

[buddynole]

The key is…can Brent create disruption with a defensive line presence like he did while he was at Clemson? Baker was one of the best Sooners ever and Brent’s DL’s kept him and our offense on our heels all game every game against them. His DL’s created the kind of pressure that freed up the LB’s and safeties. Qb’s that don’t have time and can’t get comfortable make bad decisions or at the very least take more risks.

 

[Rob Lewis_rivals]

Qb’s that don’t have time and can’t get comfortable make bad decisions or at the very least take more risks.

As Arnold found out last year.

 

[LVPack]

I hope this works out, but a head coach micromanaging the defense doesn't particularly bode well. Bob Stoops was a DC when he got hired from Florida, and he rightfully knew that a head coach's role is to be a motivator, recruiter, CEO and more importantly a delegator in order to fulfill all of the required responsibilities.

Like I said, it might work out, but burning the candle at both ends is an enormous task for a head coach, and I can't recall any who attempted this or who were successful at it.

 

[coeSooner81]

Sark calls plays at Texas.

 

[Rob Lewis_rivals]

I hope this works out, but a head coach micromanaging the defense doesn't particularly bode well. Bob Stoops was a DC when he got hired from Florida, and he rightfully knew that a head coach's role is to be a motivator, recruiter, CEO and more importantly a delegator in order to fulfill all of the required responsibilities.

Like I said, it might work out, but burning the candle at both ends is an enormous task for a head coach, and I can't recall any who attempted this or who were successful at it.

I think Venables will be focused on the defense (with Goodwin) while delegating the offense to Arbuckle.
I think this arrangement will be a good recovery from not hiring Knowles.
Venables has had a stellar career as a DC and now he can focus more on the defensive side than he has had at OU.
That said, if the offensive line and receiving corps can somehow develop well and Mateer proves to be as good as advertised, this team can be an 8-plus game winner.

 

[villebj]

Meh

 

[LVPack]

Sark calls plays at Texas.

Yes, there are some successful head coaches who call the plays on offense during the game, but they don't also fulfill the double role of being the offensive coordinator for the program. They have an offensive coordinator who handles all aspects of the program, except for calling the plays during the game.

Sark most certainly doesn't spend his time micromanaging the offense. He has Kyle Flood as his OC, and he's a pretty good one.

 

[coeSooner81]

And BV has 3 Co-DC's one at each level to help him with that side of the ball. Flood is a really good OL coach but he doesnt do anything with the WR or RB's so the OC title is just a way to pay him more. BV isnt coaching a position so HC/DC will not be to much for him.