ESPN Report: Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables shocks the college football world by turning down a massive $7.5 million offer to become a defensive coordinator at either Georgia or Notre Dame. Venables made it clear he’s committed to staying with the Sooners, stating, “I have no plans beyond being the head coach here…..

In an unexpected and groundbreaking move, Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables has left the college football world in shock by turning down a lucrative $7.5 million offer to become a defensive coordinator at either Georgia or Notre Dame. The offer, which came from two of the most prestigious football programs in the nation, would have made Venables one of the highest-paid coordinators in college football history. However, Venables, who has been at the helm of the Sooners’ football program since 2022, made it clear that his commitment lies with Oklahoma.

Venables addressed the media following the news, stating unequivocally, “I have no plans beyond being the head coach here. My focus is on building this program and continuing to bring success to the University of Oklahoma.” His decision has left many surprised, especially given the financial and professional allure of coaching at Georgia, which is currently one of the most dominant teams in college football, and Notre Dame, with its storied history and passionate fan base.

The offer from Georgia was made in the wake of defensive coordinator Dan Lanning’s departure for the Oregon head coaching job. Meanwhile, Notre Dame, after a series of high-profile coaching changes, had been seeking to solidify its defensive staff with an elite mind like Venables. Despite these opportunities, Venables’ decision to stay at Oklahoma speaks volumes about his loyalty and long-term vision for the Sooners.

Venables, who served as Oklahoma’s defensive coordinator under Bob Stoops before moving on to Clemson, where he built a formidable defense that contributed to national championships, has returned to the Sooners with the goal of rebuilding the program to national prominence. In his first season as head coach, Oklahoma faced ups and downs, but the foundation for future success has already been laid, with recruiting gaining momentum and the team showing signs of improvement.

The move has sparked widespread discussion among college football analysts and fans alike. Many had pegged Venables as a prime candidate for a return to a defensive coordinator role at a powerhouse like Georgia or Notre Dame, where his defensive pedigree would have been an immediate asset. However, Venables’ decision signals that his ambitions are far greater than simply working as a coordinator; he’s invested in leading Oklahoma back to the top of the college football landscape.

For Oklahoma, this is a major victory. The Sooners have been through a period of transition, particularly following the departure of former head coach Lincoln Riley, who left for USC. With Venables now solidifying his role as head coach, Oklahoma can look forward to a future built on his expertise, leadership, and commitment to developing players. His decision also shows his belief in the program’s potential and his vision for turning the Sooners into a perennial contender.

In the competitive world of college football coaching, where head coaches are constantly courted by top programs, Venables’ choice to stay in Norman serves as a reminder that loyalty and long-term goals can sometimes outweigh the financial appeal of a high-paying role. This move also highlights the deep ties coaches can have with their alma maters and the programs they help shape, as well as their desire to build something lasting rather than chase short-term financial gain.

As the college football world digests this surprising development, the question remains: How will this impact Oklahoma’s recruiting efforts and its trajectory under Venables? One thing is for sure—Brent Venables has proven that, for him, it’s not just about the money or the prestige; it’s about building a legacy at Oklahoma and achieving greatness with the Sooners.