Brent Venables may not have to look far for his next defensive coordinator at Oklahoma, as the ideal candidate could already be on his staff. With former co-defensive coordinator Zac Alley heading to West Virginia as their new assistant head coach and defensive coordinator, Venables faces his second coordinator search this offseason.
After firing offensive coordinator Seth Littrell earlier in the year and hiring Ben Arbuckle from Washington State, Venables might now turn inward for his defensive coordinator replacement. Why? Several factors suggest that promoting from within could be the most effective solution.
Venables, a defensive-minded coach, prefers his defensive strategies to be executed his way. This is likely one reason why Alley took a lower-profile position at West Virginia after just one season at Oklahoma. Those already on Venables’ staff understand his expectations and system, making internal promotions a natural fit.
With Venables’ job security in question heading into 2025, a strong defensive coordinator could help preserve the talent and momentum that the Sooners have managed to keep intact. This urgency makes an internal hire even more appealing.
So, who are the in-house options? Oklahoma has several qualified candidates who could step up to the role:
Todd Bates
Bates, currently serving as co-defensive coordinator, defensive tackles coach, and associate head coach, has already earned Venables’ trust. Their working relationship spans eight years, beginning at Clemson, where Bates coached the defensive line. Bates followed Venables to Oklahoma in 2022 and was promoted to co-defensive coordinator shortly thereafter.
Brandon Hall
Though Hall hasn’t held the coordinator title under Venables yet, he brings a wealth of experience to the table. Having coached safeties at Oklahoma since 2022, Hall’s past includes stints as defensive coordinator at Troy and Jacksonville State. His deep connection with Venables also dates back to their time together at OU in the early 2000s, further strengthening Hall’s candidacy for the role.
Jay Valai
Like Bates, Valai holds the title of co-defensive coordinator, as well as assistant head coach for defense, and coaches cornerbacks and nickelbacks. With coaching experience at top programs such as Georgia, Alabama, and Texas, Valai’s vast experience and familiarity with Venables’ system make him a strong contender for the position.
With these strong in-house candidates, Venables has the flexibility to keep continuity within his defensive staff while ensuring the Sooners’ defense remains elite. The pieces are in place for a smooth transition, and it may just come down to selecting the right fit from within.
