As Oklahoma prepares for the Armed Forces Bowl on December 27, all eyes are on head coach Brent Venables. Despite Oklahoma’s commitment to keeping him through the 2024 season, rumors are swirling that he might not be fully satisfied in Norman. With his hefty $44 million buyout and a major coaching hire just made, it seems Venables is staying put for now. But could he be longing for a return to a more familiar role in college football?
Venables, known for his expertise as a defensive mastermind, may be feeling disconnected from the demands of being a head coach. If that’s the case, a reunion with Dabo Swinney at Clemson could be the perfect next step. With Clemson’s defense struggling in 2024—especially their inability to stop the run—there’s a strong possibility that defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin could be shown the door after the season. If that happens, Clemson could turn to Venables, who has a proven track record of success in Tiger Town.
While a move back to Clemson may not happen immediately, it’s a scenario worth exploring, especially after the 2025 season when Venables’ future at Oklahoma could be uncertain. If Venables is truly unhappy as a head coach, returning to a coordinator role would not only offer him a fresh challenge but also solidify his place as the highest-paid defensive coordinator in college football.
With his experience leading Clemson’s defense to multiple national titles, Venables could be the spark the Tigers need to return to elite status. The talent is already there; he just needs to step in and reignite the fire. Plus, with job security becoming harder to come by in today’s volatile coaching market, Venables would be in a position to thrive.
While it may seem unlikely for Venables to leave Oklahoma so soon, the pieces are in place for a perfect storm that could see him make a dramatic return to Clemson. If he’s looking for a new challenge, there’s no better place to reignite his career.
