Ken Ruinard / staff, The Greenville News via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Paul Finebaum Names Prominent College Football Coach Running Out of Time

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated Jun 18, 2025 10:00 PM ET

The 2024 college football season has been another challenging year for one of the sport's most historic programs.

The Oklahoma Sooners have long been considered a gold standard in college football. They rank No. 6 all-time in wins with 950 and No. 5 in win percentage. Additionally, they are No. 9 in national championships with seven and have secured 50 conference championships.

However, last season marked their second 6-7 record in three years under head coach Brent Venables, a feat that had not occurred at Oklahoma since the 1998 season. During "The Paul Finebaum Show" on the SEC Network, it was suggested that Venables may not survive another disappointing season.

"He's had two bad years out of three," Finebaum said. "Oklahoma is not going to put up with that another year."

If the Sooners were to let Venables go, it would come at a hefty price. Venables' buyout stands at $34.9 million after this season. This speculation from Finebaum comes just one year after Venables signed a big contract extension.

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

Initially, he 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 this season for the Sooners, as they have added former Washington State Cougars quarterback John Mateer and former California Golden Bears running back Jaydn Ott to their roster.

Last season, Mateer threw for 3,139 yards, recording 29 touchdowns and just seven interceptions, while rushing for 826 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns. Although Ott struggled with injuries during the 2024 season, he had a strong performance in 2023, rushing for 1,315 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns.

They hope to lead Venables' team to a bounce-back season. 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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