From Oklahoma Sooners On SI · · 1m 40s
Oklahoma extends Venables through rocky start
The Sooners back their coach with a raise despite a 1-1 season and recent SEC struggles.
In brief
The Sooners back their coach with a raise despite a 1-1 season and recent SEC struggles. Athletic director Roger Denny is committing to long-term stability with Venables rather than making quick coaching changes, even as the team stumbles early. Originally reported by Oklahoma Sooners On SI.
Regents approve Venables extension
Oklahoma's Board of Regents approved Brent Venables' contract extension on Tuesday, raising his average annual pay to 10.5 million dollars.
Deal announced in August
The extension was initially announced on August 20th and represents a significant raise from his original six-year deal worth 7.25 million per year.
Denny backs long-term commitment
Athletic director Roger Denny said he's confident Venables can lead through rough patches, preferring to support coaches rather than make quick changes.
Sooners stumbling early this season
Oklahoma is 1-1 after losing 17-10 at Michigan last weekend, continuing struggles from a 6-7 SEC debut season.
Four-plus years of mixed results
Venables is 33-21 overall at Oklahoma and led the team to the College Football Playoff last season before the recent decline.
Denny's first major extension
This is the first significant contract extension since Roger Denny replaced Joe Castiglione as athletic director.
Stadium experience center approved
Regents also approved 3.5 million dollars for a new 7,000 square-foot sales and marketing venue at Gaylord Family Stadium, opening in December.
Baseball stadium gets Toby Keith center
The regents named a new performance center at Kimrey Family Stadium the Toby Keith Family Performance Center as part of a 49 million dollar renovation.
Baseball facility opens in 2028
The next renovation phase including the performance center begins this fall and is expected to be completed by spring 2028.
The essence
Athletic director Roger Denny is committing to long-term stability with Venables rather than making quick coaching changes, even as the team stumbles early.
