Oklahoma finalizing deal with Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables to become head coach

After 10 seasons as Clemson's defensive coordinator, Brent Venables is finalizing a deal to become the head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners, according to Bruce Feldman of FOX Sports.

Venables, 50, is plenty familiar with Norman, OK. after spending 13 years on the Sooners coaching staff. He was hired by the program in 1999 as linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator, eventually taking sole ownership of the defensive coordinator role in 2004. Venables left to join Clemson in the same role in 2012 and eventually earned the 2016 Broyles Award, recognizing the nation's top assistant coach.

The Tigers won two national championships and seven ACC titles during Venables' tenure.

While Clemson faltered in 2021 and lost three games for the first time in seven years, the defense was still a force to be reckoned with. Only the Georgia Bulldogs allowed fewer points per game than Clemson.

Oklahoma also took a step back in 2021 as the team failed to reach the Big 12 Championship, ending a streak of six straight conference titles. Shortly after the team's last game of the regular season, coach Lincoln Riley left to become the head coach of the USC Trojans.