Oklahoma Football has made another strategic move in its relentless pursuit of excellence, officially hiring Jonathan Gress—formerly with the New Orleans Saints—as the program’s new head athletic trainer. The announcement marks a significant development for the Sooners, who continue to build a high-performance infrastructure around their athletes to compete at the highest level in college football. Gress brings with him a wealth of experience from the NFL ranks, and his addition is seen as a major win for Oklahoma, both in terms of player health and overall program culture.
Gress spent more than a decade with the Saints, where he built a reputation as one of the most trusted and forward-thinking figures in sports medicine. Known for his deep knowledge of injury prevention, progressive rehabilitation techniques, and day-to-day player care, Gress was highly respected within the organization. His contributions in New Orleans were considered instrumental in helping elite-level athletes not only stay on the field but perform at peak condition throughout long, grueling NFL seasons. Now, his skill set and expertise will benefit a new generation of players in Norman.
The decision to bring Gress aboard underscores Oklahoma’s commitment to player wellness, performance, and development. In today’s game, athletic training is about much more than taping ankles and managing injuries. It’s about building a complete system that optimizes physical output, accelerates recovery times, and aligns closely with nutrition, strength training, and mental preparation. Gress’s modern approach fits seamlessly into what the Sooners are trying to accomplish as they transition into a new era of competition.
OU’s move to the SEC has placed added emphasis on durability, conditioning, and medical support, and this hire is a reflection of that shift. Competing against the likes of Alabama, Georgia, and LSU week in and week out requires a meticulous focus on every detail, especially when it comes to keeping players healthy and game-ready. Gress’s NFL background gives him a valuable edge—he’s accustomed to the intensity, speed, and physical toll of high-stakes football. That experience will translate well to the college level, particularly in the rugged environment of the Southeastern Conference.
From a player perspective, the hire is being viewed as a clear sign that the Oklahoma program is investing in their future. Athletes want to know that their bodies will be taken care of by the best in the business, and with Gress at the helm of the training staff, that confidence will undoubtedly grow. For high school recruits weighing their college options, details like athletic care and recovery resources are often deciding factors. Gress’s NFL pedigree could become a useful recruiting tool, reassuring players and their families that Oklahoma prioritizes long-term health and career longevity.
In addition to his hands-on training expertise, Gress is known for his collaborative leadership style. He works closely with coaching staffs, strength and conditioning teams, and medical personnel to design integrated wellness plans tailored to each individual athlete. His holistic philosophy ensures that players receive not just treatment for injuries, but also proactive support that reduces the risk of injury in the first place. That level of coordination is critical, particularly in a sport where even the smallest details can determine the outcome of a season.
His impact is also expected to extend off the field. Athletic trainers are often the first line of communication when athletes are dealing with pain, setbacks, or recovery issues. Gress’s calm demeanor, attention to detail, and player-first mentality make him a trusted presence—someone athletes feel comfortable turning to in both physical and emotional situations. That rapport helps foster a positive culture within the locker room and encourages players to take their recovery seriously.
Oklahoma’s leadership was intentional in pursuing someone of Gress’s caliber. His background includes certifications from some of the top institutions in the field, and his familiarity with cutting-edge recovery technologies—such as cryotherapy, soft tissue manipulation, and GPS tracking systems—will help Oklahoma continue evolving with the times. In the modern era, programs that embrace innovation in sports medicine are better positioned to compete, and Gress’s track record suggests he’s more than ready to lead that charge.
While it’s easy to overlook the significance of a head athletic trainer hire, those within the football industry understand how foundational this role is to the overall success of a team. Players can’t perform if they’re not healthy. Coaches can’t implement game plans if key contributors are sidelined. Recovery timelines, return-to-play protocols, and injury mitigation strategies all stem from the trainer’s office. With Gress overseeing those aspects, Oklahoma is clearly betting on long-term consistency and availability across the roster.
The hire also speaks to the broader vision that athletic director Joe Castiglione and head coach Brent Venables have for the Sooners. Both leaders have emphasized the importance of surrounding players with top-tier support staff across every department—from nutrition and strength training to academics and mental health. Gress fits squarely within that model, bringing elite professional standards to a collegiate environment where student-athlete care is paramount. It’s not just about what happens on Saturdays—it’s about ensuring that players are prepared, protected, and fully equipped to handle every phase of the grind.
There’s also the behind-the-scenes element of what Gress will bring to the program. NFL-level documentation, performance tracking, and return-to-play benchmarks are standard procedures at the professional level, and now those same frameworks will be implemented at Oklahoma. That kind of structure not only helps players recover faster, but also gives coaches and analysts reliable data to manage workloads and assess readiness. It’s another area where the Sooners are working to bridge the gap between the college and pro games—giving their athletes every advantage possible.
Furthermore, Gress’s presence can help build bridges between the Oklahoma program and the NFL. His relationships within pro circles could open the door for increased collaboration, mentorship, and perhaps even training internships for players looking to prepare themselves for the next level. Having someone on staff who has operated at the highest level of football brings invaluable insight to every aspect of player development, and it’s yet another reason this hire is being celebrated internally.
In short, Oklahoma’s decision to hire Jonathan Gress is not a small move—it’s a calculated investment in the health and future of the program. It’s a nod to the past success he enjoyed in the NFL and a vote of confidence in his ability to raise the standard in Norman. For a program that already has championship ambitions, this is one more piece of the puzzle falling into place. Every detail matters, and in the brutal world of college football, the difference between good and great often comes down to who’s available and at what capacity. With Gress now on board, the Sooners have positioned themselves for better durability, faster recovery, and a more resilient roster.
As Oklahoma continues to evolve and adapt to the challenges of the SEC, the hiring of someone like Gress reinforces the idea that this program is not content with mediocrity. It wants to be elite in every area—on the field, off the field, and everywhere in between. With Gress leading the way in athletic training and recovery, the Sooners are making a powerful statement: they’re ready to match the toughness of the SEC not just with talent, but with infrastructure, preparation, and elite support.
For now, the players can rest a little easier knowing they have one of the best in the business looking out for them. And for Oklahoma fans, it’s another reason to believe that this program is headed in the right direction—built not just to compete, but to thrive. Jonathan Gress may not make headlines like a five-star recruit or a breakout quarterback, but make no mistake: his arrival could be one of the most impactful moves the Sooners make all year.
