ESPN REPORT: Brent Venables Shocks CFB World, Turns Down $9.5M Offer from Kansas, Georgia to Stay at Oklahoma: ‘I Have No Plans Beyond Being the Sooners’ Head Coach’
In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, ESPN has reported that Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables has turned down a combined $9.5 million offer from Kansas and Georgia, opting instead to remain in Norman with the Sooners. The decision underscores Venables’ deep loyalty to the program and his unwavering commitment to Oklahoma football as it transitions into the SEC.
According to multiple sources cited by ESPN, both Kansas and Georgia made aggressive pushes to lure Venables away, with Georgia reportedly preparing for a contingency plan in the wake of ongoing uncertainty surrounding their current coaching staff. Kansas, fresh off a resurgent season, was seeking to make a bold statement by pursuing Venables with a lucrative deal that would have made him one of the top five highest-paid coaches in the nation.
Despite the tempting financial package and the prestige associated with Georgia’s powerhouse program, Venables made it clear he has no intentions of leaving Oklahoma anytime soon.
“I have no plans beyond being the Sooners’ head coach,” Venables told ESPN in a statement late Wednesday night. “My heart is in Norman. We’ve built something special here, and I’m committed to seeing it through. The trust of our players, staff, and community means everything to me.”
Venables, who took the reins at Oklahoma in 2022 after serving as Clemson’s defensive coordinator for a decade, has been instrumental in stabilizing the program following Lincoln Riley’s departure. Under his leadership, the Sooners have returned to national relevance, reenergized recruiting efforts, and laid a strong foundation ahead of their full SEC integration in 2025.
College football analysts were quick to praise Venables’ loyalty and vision.
“This is rare in today’s college football climate,” said ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit. “Turning down nearly $10 million and the chance to coach at Georgia shows Brent isn’t chasing dollars—he’s chasing legacy.”
Venables’ decision provides a major boost to Oklahoma’s recruiting and future plans, as questions had begun circulating about whether he might entertain outside offers after a successful 2024 campaign. Instead, he appears more committed than ever.
With Venables firmly at the helm, Oklahoma fans can breathe a sigh of relief and look ahead with confidence. His decision may ultimately prove to be a defining moment in the Sooners’ next chapter.
As Venables succinctly put it: “I came here to win championships with Oklahoma, and that mission hasn’t changed.”
The rest of the college football world will have to wait.