With the 2025 season on the horizon, the Oklahoma Sooners find themselves in a familiar yet formidable position—searching for a new defensive coordinator. As spring ball rapidly approaches, head coach Brent Venables faces the crucial task of securing the right person for the job, one who can continue the tradition of formidable defenses that Oklahoma fans have come to expect.
For those unfamiliar, Venables is no stranger to the intricacies of defensive strategy. His career has been largely defined by his ability to mold tenacious defenses, from his early days under Bob Stoops to his dominant run with Clemson in the 2010s. Yet, Venables isn’t one to rest on his laurels. He understands that leadership is not just about command, but about knowing when to delegate. Most recently, he entrusted the offensive reins to coaches like Jeff Lebby and Seth Littrell. This sharp focus on a defense-first approach has been the hallmark of his coaching style.
The departure of Zac Alley, who has been part of Venables’ inner circle since 2011, marks a new chapter. Alley’s exit isn’t just about seeking opportunity; it’s about stepping out of the long shadow cast by Venables. However, it offers Venables an opportunity to recalibrate and bring fresh ideas to his defense.
Before Alley left, the Sooners juggled a collaborative approach to defensive coaching, with three coordinators sharing responsibilities. While effective in theory, this multi-headed leadership often led to complications during game-time decisions. The offensive side saw resolution with the hiring of Ben Arbuckle, bringing much-needed clarity. A similar move is anticipated on the defensive end as Oklahoma prepares for a future that includes a more challenging schedule and the loss of several veteran players.
So, who could take up this vital role? Here’s a closer look at some of the top contenders:
- Brandon Hall, current safeties coach at Oklahoma, stands as a logical internal candidate. Hall has demonstrated his prowess both as a defensive play-caller and a recruiter. His strategic acumen was evident at Troy, where he consistently held opponents to under 25 points per game. While promoting from within isn’t likely, Hall’s familiarity with the team’s dynamics makes him a compelling choice.
- Wes Goodwin, the current defensive coordinator at Clemson, is an intriguing option for Venables. Given their shared philosophies from their Clemson days, Goodwin presents a seamless transition option that maintains the defensive ideals Venables champions. His proven ability to restrict powerhouse teams like Texas makes him a strong candidate.
- Bryan Brown, the defensive backs coach at Ole Miss, has an impressive track record of crafting stubborn defenses that frustrate opposing offenses. With a history that spans Appalachian State, Louisville, and Cincinnati, Brown’s resume suggests he’s poised to take the next step, although the full leadership of a defense would be a significant leap.
- Lance Guidry is recently available after parting ways with Miami. Known for propelling Miami into the top tiers defensively last season, Guidry’s experience could bring a fresh perspective, though his red-zone strategies might need refinement.
- Jonathan Patke, another candidate, fresh off leading Duke through a solid 9-4 season, has shown potential with his defensive schemes, managing an average of only five yards per play against. His history of elevating teams like Texas State to new heights suggests he’s capable of embracing significant challenges.
Ultimately, the search for Oklahoma’s next defensive coordinator is about more than just filling a vacancy. With a rebuilding phase on the horizon for 2025-26, the Sooners need a hire who can ensure their defense remains within the top 20 nationally. From the looks of it, Brandon Hall and Wes Goodwin top the shortlist, each bringing unique strengths—Hall with his recruiting edge and foundational work at Oklahoma, Goodwin with his independent leadership abilities aligned with Venables’ vision.
As the Sooners deliberate on this pivotal decision, all eyes are on Coach Venables to guide the team into their next era of defensive dominance. Once the choice is made, expect a deep dive into what this means for Oklahoma’s future.
