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Major College Football Head Coach Reportedly Facing ‘Hot-Seat’ Situation In 2025

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By J.C. Shelton | Last updated May 23, 2025 7:26 PM ET

The 2025 season will feature a potential turning point for the Oklahoma Sooners and head coach Brent Venables.

The question remains, though, of what direction the program will take.

After a disappointing 6-7 output in Venables' first season, he helped propel the Sooners to a 10-3 record in 2023. There was a promising feeling around Oklahoma as it entered the SEC for the 2024 season.

However, things ultimately didn't pan out for Venables and Co, finishing at 6-7 with a disastrous 2-6 conference record.

Oklahoma leadership and fans alike expect wins, making this season especially important for Venables' job security, according to an anonymous SEC coach polled by Athlon Sports.

Venables is set to make $8.6 million per year through the 2029 season with a current contract buyout of $44.8 million.

"It’s a hot-seat situation for sure," he said. "They’re banking on an instant impact from (Ben) Arbuckle and (John) Mateer the way Vanderbilt brought in the New Mexico State coach/QB combo. That could happen. Their receivers were nonexistent last year, but a lot of that was injury. They should bounce back and give Mateer some options.”

The offense severely held Oklahoma back last season. After having a top-10 unit in both scoring and passing offense in 2023, the Sooners ranked 97th and 119th in those categories, respectively.

It's safe to expect some improvements, though, as new offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle takes over after serving in the same role at Washington State. His quarterback, John Mateer, also made the move from the Cougars.

Mateer shined as a first-year starter, completing 64.6% of his passes for 3,139 yards with with 29 touchdowns to seven interceptions. He also totaled 826 rushing yards and 15 scores on the ground.

At wide receiver, Oklahoma is expected to get Deion Burks, Javonnie Gibson, and Jayden Gibson back healthy. And transfer additions like Jer'Michael Carter (McNeese State), Josiah Martin (Cal), Keontez Lewis (Washington State) and Isaiah Sategna (Arkansas) should help.

The Sooners will host Michigan, Auburn, Ole Miss, Missouri and LSU with road trips to South Carolina, Tennessee and Alabama. The Cotton Bowl rivalry against Texas will serve as a major barometer of success in the second week of October.

Oklahoma is slated to open the season at home against Illinois State on Aug. 30.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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