In a move that bridges eras and ignites nostalgic pride across Sooner Nation, the University of Oklahoma has announced that former quarterback great Landry Jones will be joining Brent Venables’ coaching staff as the Quarterbacks Coach. The decision marks a monumental homecoming for Jones, whose legacy as the all-time leading passer in program history cemented him as one of the most impactful signal-callers to ever wear the crimson and cream.
This hire is more than just about football. It’s about culture. It’s about connection. And it’s about continuing a championship tradition with the guidance of someone who understands it better than most.
Landry Jones: From Sooner Legend to Coach
Landry Jones etched his name into Oklahoma football lore between 2009 and 2012. Taking over as the starter after Sam Bradford’s injury in 2009, Jones would go on to start 50 games and throw for 16,646 yards and 123 touchdowns—records that still stand today. His career included a Fiesta Bowl win, multiple Big 12 titles, and victories over historic rivals like Texas and Oklahoma State.
Jones’ prolific arm and calm demeanor made him the ideal leader during an era of offensive explosiveness under then-head coach Bob Stoops and offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson, and later Josh Heupel. He was a foundational piece in Oklahoma’s tradition of developing elite quarterbacks—setting the stage for the likes of Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts to follow.
After college, Jones was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2013 and spent several seasons in the NFL primarily as a backup, most notably behind Ben Roethlisberger. He also became the first player signed by the XFL when the league re-launched in 2020, playing for the Dallas Renegades under former OU head coach Bob Stoops.
Now, at age 35, Jones is set to embark on a new journey—this time on the sidelines, wearing a headset instead of a helmet.
Coach Venables’ Vision: “Landry Gets It”
Head coach Brent Venables, entering his third season at the helm of the Sooners, emphasized the importance of bringing in staff who understand the heart of the program. In a statement released alongside the announcement, Venables said:
“Landry Jones is the embodiment of what it means to be a Sooner. He’s battle-tested. He’s led from the front. He’s won on the biggest stages. But more than that, Landry gets it—he gets what makes this program great and how to bring that greatness out of others.”
The Sooners are coming off a season of incremental improvement under Venables, who has prioritized culture and player development as he retools the roster ahead of Oklahoma’s transition to the SEC in 2024. The hire of Jones adds another strong piece to the staff puzzle, especially at a position as pivotal as quarterback.
Quarterback Development: A Legacy to Protect
Oklahoma has long been known as “Quarterback U.” From Jason White to Sam Bradford, Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts, the Sooners have consistently developed elite quarterbacks who have succeeded at the collegiate and professional levels. Landry Jones now steps into the role of shaping the next in line.
The quarterback room in Norman currently features a blend of talent and youth. Highly regarded redshirt freshman Jackson Arnold, a former five-star recruit, is considered the heir apparent and has drawn comparisons to past Sooner greats for his poise, athleticism, and arm talent. Arnold will now benefit from a mentor who not only understands the pressure of leading Oklahoma but has also thrived under that very spotlight.
Jones’ firsthand experience will be instrumental in mentoring Arnold and others—teaching them not just the playbook, but how to lead, manage adversity, and represent the university on and off the field.
Players React: “A Living Legend in the Room”
The reaction from current and former players has been overwhelmingly positive.
Jackson Arnold posted on social media shortly after the news broke:
“Let’s gooo! A living legend in the room with us. Ready to learn.”
Former Oklahoma wide receiver Ryan Broyles, who caught over 200 passes from Jones during their time together, expressed excitement about the hire:
“Landry knows the game and knows what it means to wear that jersey. The QBs in that room just got one of the best teachers possible.”
Offensive coordinator Seth Littrell, who returned to Oklahoma in 2024 to take over play-calling duties, also praised the addition of Jones, calling him “a rising coaching mind with a Hall of Fame football IQ.”
Full Circle: The Sooner Brotherhood
The return of Jones to Norman is part of a broader theme within the Oklahoma football program: bringing back the brotherhood. Under Venables, there has been a renewed emphasis on integrating alumni into the fabric of the team, whether through staff positions, mentorship programs, or recruiting outreach.
Jones’ hire mirrors similar moves at powerhouse programs across the country where former stars return to build the future—think of Bryan McClendon at Georgia or Andre Carter at Ole Miss. It also sends a clear message to recruits and fans alike: Oklahoma honors its past, and that past is invested in the future.
The Road Ahead: Expectations in Norman
While Jones will have to prove himself as a developer of quarterbacks, the expectation is that his leadership, combined with Littrell’s offensive expertise, will push the Sooners’ offense back to its high-octane roots. Last season, the offense showed promise but lacked consistency—something Jones will look to fix immediately through fundamentals, attention to detail, and mental toughness.
Oklahoma will enter the 2025 season with high stakes. With the move to the SEC, every coaching decision carries added weight. The Sooners will face a daunting schedule that includes games against Alabama, LSU, and Texas A&M, not to mention the always-heated Red River Rivalry against Texas.
But with Landry Jones now embedded in the day-to-day development of the team’s most critical position, the Sooners feel better prepared to weather those storms—and potentially emerge as a dark horse in the SEC title race.
OU Athletic Director Joe Castiglione: “This Is Home”
OU Athletic Director Joe Castiglione, the longest-tenured AD in the Big 12 and a central figure in Oklahoma’s move to the SEC, praised the hire for what it symbolizes:
“This is home. And when someone like Landry comes back, it’s not just about wins and losses—it’s about the values and traditions we’ve built here. He understands the legacy and is now a steward of it.”
The Fans Speak: A Hero Returns
Social media exploded with excitement as Sooner fans flooded platforms to welcome their former star back to Norman. Hashtags like #LandryReturns, #BoomerSooner, and #QBWhisperer began trending regionally.
Sooner message boards, always a litmus test for fan approval, were nearly unanimous in celebrating the hire. Many fans shared memories of Landry’s clutch performances, such as the five-touchdown game against Texas in 2012, or the epic shootout against West Virginia where he threw for 554 yards and 6 touchdowns.
For fans, Jones isn’t just a name on the stat sheet—he’s a part of their football identity. His return is a unifying moment in a time of great transition.
