The Oklahoma Sooners football program, one of the most storied and successful in college football history, is entering a critical phase in its journey. After several seasons of underwhelming defensive play that led to significant changes within the coaching staff, head coach Brent Venables has his eyes set on revitalizing the team’s defense. While Venables himself has a deep defensive background, including as the defensive coordinator for multiple national championships at Clemson, his tenure at Oklahoma has seen mixed results on that front. With the Sooners’ defense struggling to reach the elite levels that fans expect, the big question is: Could Oklahoma go after an elite coach from a College Football Playoff (CFP) program to bolster their defense?
### The Need for a Defensive Overhaul
Since Venables took over as head coach in 2022, Oklahoma has consistently ranked in the bottom half of the Big 12 in defensive metrics such as total defense, yards allowed per game, and points per game. These statistics have led to growing concerns about whether Venables’ defensive philosophy is translating well in his new role as head coach. The Sooners’ defense, while talented in certain spots, has often looked outmatched against high-powered offenses in the Big 12, and that has made it difficult for Oklahoma to compete at the highest levels.
One of the primary reasons for Oklahoma’s struggle is inconsistency. In games where the Sooners’ defense has played well, they’ve shown the ability to stifle opposing offenses. However, in matchups against elite teams or offenses with dynamic quarterbacks and skilled playmakers, the defense has faltered. Against teams like Texas, Kansas State, and others, Oklahoma has allowed big plays, failed to get off the field on third downs, and been gashed in the running game.
Venables is no stranger to elite defensive play, having developed some of the top defenses in the nation during his time at Clemson. However, the defense at Oklahoma has yet to reach that level. The recent departure of defensive coordinator Ted Roof, who had been with the program since Venables’ arrival, only adds to the urgency to find a more effective defensive coordinator capable of fixing the Sooners’ issues.
### The Possibility of Poaching a CFP Coach
Oklahoma’s brand is undeniably strong, and the Sooners have resources that can lure a top-tier coach. But could they attract a defensive mastermind from one of the College Football Playoff (CFP) teams, a program that is already competing at the highest level of college football? It’s a bold idea, but one that could be within reach if the Sooners are willing to pursue the right candidates and offer them a compelling package.
In recent years, several coaches from CFP teams have established themselves as defensive specialists, and Oklahoma could look to tap into this talent pool. The question is whether these elite coaches would be willing to leave their current positions for a coordinator job at Oklahoma, especially considering the upward trajectory of some programs. Below are some potential candidates from CFP teams who could make a significant impact as Oklahoma’s defensive coordinator:
### 1. **Jim Knowles (Ohio State)**
Ohio State’s defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles, is widely regarded as one of the best defensive minds in college football. Under his leadership, the Buckeyes’ defense has become one of the most feared units in the nation. Knowles is known for his aggressive and multiple defensive schemes that have had great success against some of the top offenses in college football, including his success in the Big Ten.
Knowles’ background as a defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State, where he helped turn a struggling defense into one of the top units in the country, could make him a very attractive option for Oklahoma. His ability to develop talent, adjust schemes mid-game, and stop high-powered offenses is exactly what the Sooners need. However, the challenge in poaching Knowles lies in the fact that Ohio State is one of the most elite programs in the nation, and he is entrenched in a system that is consistently competing for national titles.
### 2. **Alex Grinch (USC)**
Though he previously served as Oklahoma’s defensive coordinator under Lincoln Riley, Alex Grinch has since moved on to USC, where he is currently the defensive coordinator. Grinch has built a reputation for his “attack dog” defense, emphasizing speed, aggression, and turnovers. While his tenure at Oklahoma had mixed results, there’s no doubt that Grinch has a knack for developing defenses that can create havoc and disrupt offenses.
Under Grinch, USC’s defense showed marked improvements, and the Trojans have become an elite contender in the Pac-12 and beyond. If Grinch were to return to Oklahoma, he would bring with him a wealth of experience, especially when it comes to managing high-pressure games. However, returning to Oklahoma may not be in the cards, as USC is positioned to remain a national contender under Lincoln Riley, and Grinch is highly regarded within the USC program.
### 3. **Dan Lanning (Georgia)**
As the current head coach of Oregon, Dan Lanning is no longer a defensive coordinator but his pedigree as one of the top defensive minds in the game cannot be ignored. Lanning served as Georgia’s defensive coordinator during their national championship-winning season in 2021, where his defense suffocated top offenses, including Michigan and Alabama in the College Football Playoff.
Though Lanning is now a head coach at Oregon, the allure of returning to a top-tier program like Oklahoma could tempt him if the right offer was on the table. His knowledge of elite-level defense and ability to recruit and develop talent is exactly what the Sooners need to take their defense to the next level. The challenge would be convincing Lanning to leave his current head coaching position for a return to defensive coordinator duties, especially when he has already proven himself as a head coach.
### 4. **Kerry Coombs (Formerly of Ohio State)**
While Coombs has recently served as an assistant coach at Ohio State and has developed a reputation as a dynamic recruiter and defensive mind, his most successful stint came as a defensive coordinator at the University of Cincinnati. Known for his ability to coach defensive backs and develop a turnover-heavy defense, Coombs could bring the kind of aggressive mentality that Oklahoma needs. Though Coombs is currently not in the spotlight as much as others, his history as a highly regarded coach could make him an intriguing candidate for Oklahoma to target.
### The Recruiting Factor
In addition to scheme, recruiting will play a critical role in any new defensive coordinator hire. Oklahoma has consistently recruited well under Venables, but it will need a coordinator who can take that talent and mold it into a top-tier defense. A well-regarded defensive coach with a track record of developing elite talent and making defenses more aggressive could be the key to unlocking the program’s full potential.
### Conclusion: The Right Move for Oklahoma?
For Oklahoma, the idea of poaching an elite coach from a College Football Playoff program is an enticing one. However, whether they can successfully attract such a coach will depend on a variety of factors, including the ability to offer a competitive salary, the prospect of working with a talented roster, and the lure of working at a prestigious program like Oklahoma.
If the Sooners can land an elite defensive mind—whether through an established coordinator from a CFP program or an up-and-coming coach—there’s a strong chance that Oklahoma’s defense could become a major force in the Big 12 and nationally. This would not only help Venables establish his legacy at Oklahoma but could also elevate the Sooners back into College Football Playoff contention in the near future. The time for defensive improvement is now, and Oklahoma has the resources and pedigree to make it happen.