With the season being over, the Oklahoma Sooners are now looking to replace defensive coordinator Zac Alley. Given that spring ball is only a couple of months away, the Sooners are once again on a ticking clock to hire someone as soon as possible. So, who is most likely to be the new Oklahoma defensive coordinator?
Top Candidates for Oklahoma’s Next Defensive Coordinator
Command and Conquer
For the majority of his career, Brent Venables has been a defensive coordinator. It’s how he made not only his name but his reputation. From his time with Bob Stoops to his tenure at Clemson in the 2010s, Venables has been creating great defenses everywhere he goes.
Thankfully, unlike some coaches, Venables can also recognize the areas where help is needed. This means that he often relegates the offensive responsibilities to those with more experience. In 2023, it was Jeff Lebby. In 2024, it was Seth Litrell and Joe Jon Finley. The defense, on the other hand, is much more tightly controlled.
Put simply: Where Venables isn’t as experienced, he delegates. The areas where he’s proficient, however, is when Venables takes full command.
Alley, who has worked with Venables since 2011, understands this. While Alley’s departure may be abrupt, it’s not just simple opportunism. Alley understands that, if he wants to make his name, he has to escape Venables’ shadow. At the same time, this gives Venables a much-needed opportunity to clean house.
Oklahoma’s Torch Bearer
Before Alley left, at least three separate Oklahoma defensive coordinators shared the job. All three, including Alley, managed different aspects. Like the co-offensive coordinator scheme, this can get more than a little complicated on game day.
Hiring Ben Arbuckle solved that issue for the offense. The next Oklahoma defensive coordinator has to be able to do the same thing. That’s because this year is one in which Venables will need to be setting up the future of Oklahoma football. The roster’s veterans, on both sides of the ball, are on their way out, the schedule is getting tougher, and the staff is getting a shake-up.
Frankly, Venables just can’t afford to spend the same amount of time micro-managing as he did with Alley. This means that the entire Sooners football program is relying on him to find the right man to carry the torch. So, who is it going to be?
Top 5 Choices for OU’s Defensive Coordinator in 2025
Brandon Hall, Safeties Coach, Oklahoma Sooners. It’s not likely that Venables would promote internally again but, if he did, Hall is the obvious choice. As the playcaller for Troy, Hall was holding opposing offenses to 25 points or less per game. Hall has also been an excellent defensive recruiter, something that Venables still struggles with.
Wes Goodwin, Defensive Coordinator, Clemson. Does Venables want to step back but still have faith that his ideals are being implemented? Then Goodwin is his man. They come from similar schools of thought and run similar defensive schemes. Goodwin has also proven he can run a strong defense, holding even teams like the Texas Longhorns back from their full potential.
Bryan Brown, Defensive Backs Coach, Ole Miss. Brown’s defenses have consistently been a thorn in the side of any and all opposing offenses he’s come up against. He has coached defenses at Appalachian State, Louisville, and Cincinnati. Is Brown ready to step up and take full control of a defense, though?
Lance Guidry, Defensive Coordinator, Miami. After being released from Miami this week, Guidry’s a free agent in the coaching carousel. While his red zone defense could use some improvement, Guidry’s playbook ultimately put Miami in the Top 30 defensively in 2024.
Jonathan Patke, Defensive Coordinator, Duke. Fresh off of getting cut up by Ole Miss, Patke may be looking for a new job in 2025. The Blue Devils went 9-4 this season with an average of five yards given up per play. Patke led the Texas State Bobcats to their first bowl appearance in 2023 and was the linebackers coach at Miami from 2018-2021. If Venables needs a competent guy to do the impossible, Patke may be the man.
Final Prediction for Oklahoma’s Next Defensive Coordinator
The Oklahoma Sooners, for lack of a better word, are facing a rebuild in 2025-26. This means that Coach Venables needs a solid replacement. Anything less than another Top 20 defense spells disaster for 2025- and even worse for Venables.
For Last Word On Sports, Hall and Goodwin are probably the two best fit for Oklahoma’s future. Other choices are good, but these two have something extra. Hall has the recruiting edge and he’s responsible for some of the best aspects of Oklahoma’s defense. Goodwin not only has experience but can lead without Venables’ guiding hand. When the Sooners ultimately make their decision for Oklahoma’s next defensive coordinator, Last Word On Sports will be there to provide you with the full breakdown.
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