Oklahoma Extends Brent Venables Contract Through 2031

Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables has agreed to a two-year contract extension, securing his tenure with the Sooners through the 2031 season. The university announced the new deal on Thursday, August 20, 2026, which adds two years onto his previous agreement and raises his average annual compensation to $10.5 million. The extension requires final approval from the OU Board of Regents.

The new contract represents a significant pay raise from Venables' prior annual salary of approximately $8.15 million. It places him among the highest-paid coaches in college football, joining a tier where financial investment signals heightened expectations. Athletic Director Roger Denny, who began his role in February, cited Venables' cultural impact as a key factor in the decision. "Coach Venables is elite at building culture not just in the locker room, but throughout the entire program," Denny stated. "Our players are drawn to him. They trust him, they believe in him."

Venables, a defensive-minded coach who returned to Norman in 2021 following Lincoln Riley's departure for USC, has compiled a 32-20 record over four seasons. His tenure includes two 10-win seasons and two 6-7 campaigns. The 2025...