Report: Clemson DC Brent Venables expected to land Oklahoma head coaching job

Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables is expected to be named the next head coach at Oklahoma, per a report.

That’s according to ESPN’s Chris Low, who says an announcement could be made later in the day on Sunday. Several other reports have since emerged to confirm this news.

Veteran Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables has emerged as the top target for the @OU_Football head coaching job, and the two sides could finalize a deal as early as today. Ole Miss’ Jeff Lebby is Venables’ top choice as offensive coordinator, sources tell ESPN.

— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) December 5, 2021

Venables had been a strong candidate to get this job since Lincoln Riley left for USC last Sunday. He’s a former Oklahoma defensive coordinator and has strong ties to interim head coach Bob Stoops as well as athletic director Joe Castiglione.

This would end a near-decade long run for Venables as Clemson’s defensive coordinator. His arrival at Clemson has coincided with the best era of football in program history, including two National Championships.

Venables turned down numerous head coaching opportunities over the years, but the chance to move closer to home to Oklahoma was evidently too enticing. He’s originally from Kansas and coached at Oklahoma from 1999-2011.

It’s currently unclear who Clemson would look to for a replacement. Venables may attempt to bring other Clemson staffers to Norman, which would potentially put the Tigers in a tough spot ahead of the Early Signing Period on Dec. 15.