Brent Venables discusses his long-term plan for building Oklahoma program

Brent Venables has inherited a wounded Oklahoma program, seeing Lincoln Riley head out west on their roster get gutted via the NCAA transfer portal. Now, the Clemson defensive coordinator has the task of building it back up in Norman as they spend their final seasons in the Big 12.

Building a program, not a team, is where Venables sees Oklahoma heading. He discussed his long-term plan and how the people involved are the most important aspect. Making sure everybody’s values align with one another is a top priority for the head coach. Whether it’s on the field or off the field, Venables wants a “strong roots system” running the show for the Sooners.

“I’m not concerned about creating a great team,” Venables said. “I want a great program. A great team is very singular focused and a great program has a strong roots system. It has sustainability and longevity. And you do that foundation of getting the right people. People always make the place. Make no mistake about it. At the very bare minimum, you got to be talented enough but got to find the right people that fit.

“The culture of this place and the values that we have as a program — they fit both scheme-wise and who they are. What their focus and goals are and what they come from. So, for us, it’s really important that we get the people part right. People that value education, that value structure, and accountability. They value relationships, they’re looking for all the right things. They align with us as a program.”

From a staff perspective alone, Venables has been able to bring in some of the top coaches in the country. He recruited offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby away from Ole Miss, while Associate Head Coach Todd Bates followed Venables over from Clemson.

But at the end of the day, programs are all about players. Venables was able to close out the 2022 recruiting class in solid fashion before turning focus to his first full cycle in 2023. Four-star quarterback Jackson Arnold, who was recently named the Elite 11 MVP, headlines the class thus far for the Sooners.

Venables is just getting started as well. Building programs cannot happen overnight and there is still a ton of work to be done by the head coach. Getting the right people into the right place and making sure they align with Oklahoma’s identity will continue to be Venables’ goal over the next few seasons.