SAD News: Brent Venables, the head coach of the Sooners, announced his retirement due to a problem with his wife.
“I’ve made the decision to resign as head football coach at the University of Oklahoma after 18 years of service. I am aware that there have been some rumors regarding my well-being. I didn’t make this decision based solely on my health, and I haven’t experienced anything that would keep me from coaching.
I believe now is the ideal moment to relinquish control. The program is in excellent condition. With our exceptional players and coaches, we are well-positioned to pursue a Big 12 and national championship once more. We have brand-new, cutting-edge facilities and a strong start to the recruiting class for the following year.
This is the right time because Lincoln Riley will lead a smooth transition as our new head coach, leveraging the strong team that is already assembled and giving our players security and familiarity. There’s just no better time than the present for me and our program to make this change.
“The Scriptures state, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” As the head football coach at OU, I feel like I’ve accomplished my purpose and am thankful for this time in my life.
“I’m grateful that Joe Castiglione, the director of athletics, and President David Boren provided steady leadership throughout my time at Oklahoma. In college athletics, it is extremely uncommon for these leadership positions to remain unchanged for nearly two decades. I have always valued their support for me and our program. They both contributed significantly to all of our accomplishments.
“I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had such exceptional mentors during my time at OU. Their strong leadership has always benefited our players, both on and off the field. Strength and conditioning, equipment, sports medicine, academics, and video all had excellent support staff members who were passionate about making Oklahoma football the best. This was another blessing I received.
“Over my eighteen years here, I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to coach so many gifted young men. Seeing these players develop at OU over the course of four or five years, not just on the field, has been incredibly fulfilling. What I will always value most is having had a small role in their development.
I couldn’t have achieved any of my successes without the greatest supporters in the nation.
The amount of gratitude I felt for the 110 straight home sellouts is beyond words. Our fan base’s fervor is unrivaled, and their support has been crucial to the team’s success in all 18 of our bowl games in addition to home games.
In closing, I would like to express my gratitude to my spouse, Carol, my daughter, Mackie, and my sons, Drake and Isaac. They have contributed significantly to its success. It’s not easy to be a coach’s wife or kid, but they’ve all persevered through both good and bad times.
“Coaching is like a relay race, and while I’m grateful for my turn, I also feel confident passing the baton to the next person.” Carol and I plan to remain in Norman because it is where we call home.
Coach Riley and the athletic department can contact me in any way. We are grateful for the enduring memories we have of each other, including the 2000 national championship, ten conference titles, close bonds with coaches and players, and the amazing Oklahoma football supporters. Boomer!
In relation to Bob Stoops’ retirement, Governor Mary Fallin also released a statement. See the statement in its entirety below:
Coach Brent Venables, in his journey to become one of our nation’s most successful college football coaches, undoubtedly restored pride among the Sooner Nation.” During his eighteen seasons in Norman, he was the most successful football coach in University of Oklahoma history.
I value the excellent way he has consistently represented our state both on and off the field. He was always willing to lend a helping hand when necessary, like in times of emergency. The fact that he had a winning record against the University of Texas is something I particularly value. Though I’ll miss having Coach Stoops by the sidelines, my best wishes are with him and his family.
