Norman, Oklahoma — In a move that has sent seismic ripples through college football and energized a passionate fan base, Brian Bosworth — the iconic, polarizing, and unforgettable linebacker known simply as “The Boz” — has officially accepted a special appointment with the University of Oklahoma. Nearly four decades after he last suited up in crimson and cream, Bosworth is returning to Norman in a formal capacity, reconnecting with the program that made him a national icon and college football legend.
On Tuesday, the University of Oklahoma confirmed that Bosworth will join the athletic department in a newly created role titled Special Advisor for Culture and Legacy. This position will see him work directly with head coach Brent Venables, athletic director Joe Castiglione, and student-athletes, with the goal of reinforcing Oklahoma’s storied tradition, building leadership, and deepening the cultural roots of the football program.
For Bosworth, the appointment marks not just a homecoming — but a redemptive full-circle moment.
The Boz Is Back Where It All Began
Brian Bosworth’s name still resonates across the college football landscape. During his tenure with the Sooners from 1984 to 1986, Bosworth emerged as one of the most dominant and recognizable players in the sport’s history. A two-time Butkus Award winner, national champion (1985), and the face of Oklahoma’s tenacious defense under Barry Switzer, Bosworth became as known for his on-field ferocity as his flamboyant personality and controversial stances.
He was also — and still is — beloved by the Sooner faithful.
“I feel like I’ve been preparing for this moment my whole life,” Bosworth said during the announcement ceremony, standing on Owen Field at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. “This place raised me. It shaped me. And now, I get to return and pour back into the players, into the culture, and into what it means to be a Sooner.”
Bosworth will act as a mentor, culture coach, and motivational figure within the football program, helping instill the passion, pride, and accountability that once made Oklahoma the most feared team in the country. His presence on the sideline during spring practice this year was an early hint that something was in the works.
A Role Tailored to Inspire
The appointment is more than ceremonial. According to Oklahoma’s leadership, Bosworth’s role will include:
- Mentoring Student-Athletes: Helping players navigate the demands of college football, media attention, NIL decisions, and personal growth.
- Leadership Development: Working with team captains and underclassmen on the values of accountability, teamwork, and Sooner brotherhood.
- Program Culture: Serving as a bridge between the past and present, Bosworth will frequently speak to the team about the standards of excellence and the “Oklahoma way.”
- Community Engagement: Representing the program at alumni events, booster functions, and in media opportunities to enhance OU’s brand nationally.
Coach Brent Venables, a fellow defensive mind who deeply respects the program’s history, was instrumental in orchestrating Bosworth’s return.
“Brian is more than a legend — he’s a symbol of what Oklahoma football can be at its best,” Venables said. “He brings an energy and truth that our players need. He’s lived the highs, he’s overcome the lows, and he’s still passionate about this place. I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome him back.”
The Redemption Arc
Bosworth’s return is not without its emotional undertones. His career at OU ended controversially in 1986 when he was suspended for a banned substance and subsequently declared for the NFL Supplemental Draft. His NFL career with the Seattle Seahawks was short-lived due to injuries, and afterward, he shifted into acting and broadcasting.
For years, Bosworth maintained a complicated relationship with the university — at times distant, at times reflective. But in recent years, his voice has grown louder in support of the program. He’s appeared in documentaries, penned heartfelt social media posts, and shown up at key games, always with emotion in his eyes.
“Time has a way of revealing the value of your roots,” Bosworth said. “I’ve learned, I’ve grown, and I’ve healed. And coming back isn’t about me — it’s about giving these young men the kind of perspective I didn’t have at their age.”
Why Now? The Timing Makes Sense
Bosworth’s return coincides with a pivotal era in Oklahoma football. The Sooners are preparing to enter the SEC — college football’s most demanding and prestigious conference — and Venables has been spearheading a cultural reset since taking over in 2022. That reset includes honoring the past while laying a disciplined foundation for the future.
OU athletic director Joe Castiglione emphasized that this move is part of a broader effort to reconnect with former players and celebrate the heritage of Oklahoma football.
“Brian’s journey, with all its brilliance and its scars, mirrors what so many student-athletes face in today’s world,” Castiglione said. “He’s uniquely positioned to be a beacon of resilience, authenticity, and passion.”
The Players’ Reaction: “He’s a Legend”
Current Sooners were visibly excited to meet Bosworth during his recent appearances on campus. Linebackers in particular were starstruck.
“He’s like a myth to us,” said junior linebacker Kip Lewis. “You grow up seeing clips of The Boz — the hair, the hits, the attitude. And then he’s here, telling you he believes in you? That’s powerful.”
Bosworth has already held a team-wide session, talking candidly about discipline, mental toughness, and regret. Several players described the meeting as “raw and real.”
“He didn’t sugarcoat anything,” said quarterback Jackson Arnold. “He talked about mistakes. He talked about pressure. But he also told us what it meant to wear the OU jersey. And it fired us up.”
Bosworth’s Message: Legacy and Accountability
One theme continues to echo in Bosworth’s conversations: legacy. He wants the next generation of Sooners to play with the same pride, hunger, and edge that defined Oklahoma during its golden years.
“Wearing that jersey means something,” Bosworth said. “It means you carry the weight of Selmon, Owens, Casillas, Roy Williams, Baker Mayfield, and so many others. It’s a privilege. And privileges must be earned every day.”
He’s not here to be a cheerleader. He’s here to challenge.
“Winning isn’t just about the scoreboard,” Bosworth added. “It’s about who you become in the process. My mission is to help these young men become warriors, leaders, and men of character.”
From Hollywood to the Sidelines
In recent years, Bosworth re-entered the public eye through ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary “Brian and The Boz”, where he explored his strained relationship with his father, his own ego, and the abrupt end of his NFL career. It was a vulnerable, introspective portrait that showcased his growth.
Since then, he’s embraced his role as an elder statesman of the game — offering commentary, visiting youth camps, and speaking openly about mental health, substance use, and finding purpose after football.
Now, he’ll do so from a place of deep personal meaning.
“I’ve walked through fire,” Bosworth told the players. “So when I tell you something, it’s not coming from a textbook. It’s coming from life.”
Looking Ahead: The Boz Era, 2.0
As Oklahoma prepares for a high-stakes transition into the SEC in 2025, the timing of Bosworth’s appointment feels almost symbolic — a reminder of the toughness and swagger that defined the Sooners at their peak. His presence is expected to be a regular one at practices, games, and team meetings.
“Let’s be clear — we’re not hiring a mascot,” Venables quipped. “We’re bringing in a force of nature.”
The appointment is currently a multi-year commitment, with the flexibility for Bosworth to expand his role based on impact and interest.