Paul Finebaum Gets Brutally Honest on Brent Venables’ Future with Oklahoma Football
The pressure is on for Brent Venables, head coach of the University of Oklahoma football team, as the expectations continue to mount for the storied program. With a history of success and multiple championships, the Sooners have a standard that must be upheld—and the man at the helm must deliver. But as the 2025 season approaches, ESPN’s Paul Finebaum has gotten brutally honest about Venables’ future with Oklahoma football, delivering an unfiltered analysis that raises important questions about the head coach’s ability to lead the program to its next level.
In his latest comments on The Paul Finebaum Show, Finebaum didn’t mince words when addressing Venables’ tenure in Norman. He acknowledged the challenges that Venables faced when he took over in 2022, but also pointed to the reality that the expectations at Oklahoma are not just high—they are championship-level.
Venables’ Early Years at Oklahoma
When Brent Venables was hired to replace Lincoln Riley in 2022, there was a mix of excitement and optimism surrounding the Sooners program. Venables, who had a long and successful tenure as the defensive coordinator at Clemson, was seen as the perfect candidate to bring a hard-nosed, defense-first mentality back to Oklahoma. The program, known for its high-powered offense in recent years, had seen its defensive struggles. Venables was expected to shore up the defense, restore pride in the program, and eventually take Oklahoma to new heights.
However, the reality has not been as smooth as many expected. In his first two seasons at the helm, Venables has faced significant growing pains. While there have been moments of promise, especially with his defensive improvements, Oklahoma has not been able to reclaim its position as one of the elite teams in college football.
Venables’ first season (2022) saw a disappointing 6-7 record, which raised some eyebrows and prompted doubts from both fans and critics. The team’s defensive improvement, though notable, was overshadowed by inconsistencies on offense and struggles in big games. In 2023, while the Sooners showed more promise, the team failed to meet expectations, finishing outside of the playoff picture and struggling against high-caliber opponents.
For a program like Oklahoma, where national championship aspirations are the baseline, mediocrity is simply not acceptable. As Finebaum pointed out, Venables cannot afford to have another season where the Sooners fail to challenge for the Big 12 title, let alone the college football playoff. He must deliver results in 2025, or his future could be in serious jeopardy.
The Brutally Honest Assessment from Paul Finebaum
Paul Finebaum is known for his candid commentary, and when it comes to Venables, he pulled no punches. In his analysis, Finebaum made it clear that Venables has been given a fair amount of time to turn things around, but the window is closing fast. His exact words hit home: “Oklahoma is a place where you don’t get a lot of leeway, especially when you’re replacing someone like Lincoln Riley. It’s time for Brent Venables to show that he can compete with the elite of the Big 12 and college football at large. Another season without a significant improvement, and there will be questions about whether he’s the right guy for the job.”
Finebaum’s blunt assessment is rooted in the reality that Oklahoma is a program that demands excellence. While the transition after Riley’s departure was always going to be difficult, the Sooners’ faithful expected quicker results. The 2023 season showed some promise with better defensive play, but with the offense still struggling at times, and the Sooners unable to break through in key matchups, the pressure to deliver is increasing.
Finebaum also pointed to the increasing competition within the Big 12, as teams like Texas and Kansas State have made significant strides in recent years. With Oklahoma’s move to the SEC on the horizon, Finebaum stressed that Venables must have the program in a better place than where it stands now, or the Sooners may be in for a rough transition into the nation’s toughest conference.
The Challenges of Rebuilding a Blue-Blood Program
Oklahoma is considered one of the most prestigious football programs in the country. Historically, the Sooners have been synonymous with winning, producing Heisman winners, NFL stars, and countless championships. Expectations for success are built into the fabric of the program, and the pressure for Venables to restore that elite status is immense. Rebuilding such a program isn’t easy, and while Venables is a respected coach with a proven track record as a defensive mastermind, his transition to head coach has not been without its challenges.
One of the difficulties Venables has faced is balancing the offensive side of the ball. While his defensive pedigree is unquestioned, he’s found it tough to build a high-octane offense to match the standard that Lincoln Riley set during his time as head coach. Under Riley, Oklahoma was known for its explosive offenses, led by Heisman-winning quarterbacks and playmakers at every skill position. Venables’ challenge has been to not only fix the defense but also find a way to restore the offensive prowess that made Oklahoma a juggernaut.
Another factor in Venables’ struggles is the transition that many programs face after a coach like Lincoln Riley departs. Riley had built a winning culture at Oklahoma, and his departure left a void that was hard to fill. Venables inherited a team that was used to a fast-paced, high-scoring system and had to adjust to a more defensive-minded philosophy. In a way, Venables is trying to shift the identity of the team without losing the winning culture that has defined the program.
What’s Next for Venables?
For Venables, the road ahead is simple: win now. The pressure to succeed in 2025 is palpable, and Finebaum’s assessment makes it clear that there will be little patience for another underwhelming season. The Sooners need to return to national prominence, and Venables must prove that he can elevate this team to elite status in the Big 12 and beyond.
The 2025 season will be a critical one for Venables, and the Sooners’ faithful will be watching closely. He must find a way to consistently compete with the best in the Big 12, especially with Texas making waves and other rising programs making it difficult to stay at the top. Additionally, the looming move to the SEC adds another layer of urgency, as Oklahoma’s ability to perform at that level will be crucial for its long-term success.
There are positives for Venables to build on, including a defense that has shown significant improvement, but he must find a way to bring the offense up to the same level of play. Additionally, recruiting will be an area that Venables must continue to excel in. If he can bring in top-tier talent, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, it could help him take the program to the next level.
Ultimately, Brent Venables is at a crossroads in his Oklahoma career. If he can find the right formula, put together a strong season in 2025, and prove he can compete at the highest levels of college football, he will earn the chance to lead the Sooners for years to come. But if things don’t improve quickly, his future in Norman could be uncertain.