Paul Finebaum Names Major College Football Coach Under 'Considerable Pressure'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 10:00 AM ET

The 2025 college football season could result in several prominent programs searching for a new head coach.

One of these programs is the Oklahoma Sooners, led by head coach Brent Venables. So far, Venables' tenure has been less than impressive; he has been with the team for three seasons and has experienced two losing campaigns during that time. Prior to his arrival in 2022, Oklahoma had not recorded a losing season since 1998.

However, Venables led the Sooners to a strong 10-3 record in the 2023 season. Now, he aims to replicate that success in 2025. ESPN's Paul Finebaum mentioned on his show, "The Paul Finebaum Show," that if Venables fails to achieve favorable results, his position may be at risk.

"If that program remains in transition, I think (general manager Jim Nagy) will urge for an overhaul," Finebaum said. "I think Venables is under considerable pressure."

Finebaum has clearly expressed his views on Venables' future this offseason. He recently stated that Venables has had two disappointing seasons out of three, indicating that Oklahoma is unlikely to tolerate another poor performance.

The challenge for Oklahoma is that if it decides to part ways with Venables, it would come at a substantial financial cost. His buyout stands at $34.9 million after this season. The situation is complicated by the fact that Venables signed a significant contract extension just last year.

Following the 2023 season, Venables signed a six-year deal approved by the Oklahoma Board of Regents in June 2024. The contract guarantees him an annual salary of over $8.5 million for its duration.

He initially signed a six-year, $43.5 million contract with the Sooners in December 2021. Venables' contract is fully guaranteed, and after this season, his buyout will decrease by nearly $10 million each year until the contract expires.

There is some optimism for the Sooners this season, especially with the addition of top transfer players, including former Washington State Cougars quarterback John Mateer and former California Golden Bears running back Jaydn Ott.

Last season, Mateer threw for 3,139 yards, 29 touchdowns against just seven interceptions, and he rushed for 826 yards, scoring 15 touchdowns. Although Ott faced injury challenges during the 2024 season, he had a strong performance in 2023, rushing for 1,315 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns.

Oklahoma is set to open the season at 6 p.m. ET on Aug. 30 against the Illinois State Redbirds.

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

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