Coming off a College Football Playoff appearance last season, Oklahoma announced a new six-year contract for football coach Brett Venables on Thursday, pending approval by Oklahoma’s Board of Regents.
The university didn’t disclose financial details. The deal adds two years to Venables’ existing contract and will run through Jan. 31, 2032. ESPN reported that he will make an average of $10.5 million per year, a $2 million-per-year raise from the $8.5 million average salary on the six-year contract extension he signed ahead of the 2024 season.
“It is truly an honor and a privilege to serve as the head coach at the University of Oklahoma and to represent a place with such a proud tradition, an incredibly passionate and loyal fan base and expectations that match our own,” Venables said in a press release.
“This opportunity and commitment reflect so many people. None of it would be possible without the tremendous investment, hard work and dedication of our players, coaches and staff. I’m incredibly thankful for each of them and for the belief they have in what we are building together.
“Most importantly, my family and I love Oklahoma. This is our home, and we are deeply grateful for the way the Oklahoma family has embraced and supported us.”
Venables, 55, is entering his fifth season leading the Sooners after previously serving as their defensive coordinator from 1999-2011. He has a 32-20 record at Oklahoma, including a 16-10 (8-8 Southeastern Conference) mark since the school joined the SEC ahead of the 2024 season.
Last year’s team finished the regular season 10-2 (6-2 SEC) and earned the No. 8 seed in the College Football Playoff before losing a home first-round matchup 34-24 to No. 9 Alabama.
The Sooners open the 2026 season against UTEP on Sept. 4 as the No. 10 team in the preseason AP poll.
“Since I arrived at Oklahoma, I’ve had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with Coach Venables, his staff and our student-athletes,” vice president and director of athletics Roger Denny, who took the job in February, said in a press release. “It didn’t take long to see how well suited he is to lead Oklahoma Football. Coach Venables is elite at building culture — not just in the locker room, but throughout the entire program. Our players are drawn to him. They trust him, they believe in him and he has a unique ability to connect with young men and bring out the best in them.
“What I hope this extension says to our players is that in an environment that changes every day, we’re investing in stability for our program. Amidst the disruption of college sports, Oklahoma will be a place where student-athletes will find consistency.”