Clemson football: The Dabo coaching tree is growing new branches

Brent Venables

Coaching Record: 0-0

Season Expectations: While Lincoln Riley left in dramatic fashion for LA, Oklahoma got the man they wanted all along: Brent Venables. In Venables first season at Oklahoma, the Sooners have a schedule that favours them in almost every way. The Sooners host UTEP(Sep. 3), Kent State(Sep. 10), Kansas State(Sep. 24), Kansas(Oct. 15), Baylor(Nov. 5), and Oklahoma State(Nov. 19) all at home this season. They travel to Nebraska(Sep. 17), TCU(Oct. 1), Iowa State(Oct. 29), West Virginia(Nov. 12), and Texas Tech(Nov. 26). And then of course the annual meeting with Texas(Oct. 8) is in Dallas like always. With the departure of both Caleb Williams and Spencer Rattler the Sooners may struggle at the QB position this season. They did however add transfer, Dillon Gabriel from UCF. There are 8 for sure wins for this Oklahoma team this season, and maybe 10 at the most. Oklahoma can contend for the BIG 12 title this season like always, but that may not be a realistic goal for year one. Oklahoma lost a lot of guys due to the coaching change, and also lost some key commits. This year will be all about building the brand back up and making the Sooners contenders once again under Brent Venables. Expect anywhere from 8-10 wins(regular season) for Oklahoma this season. While they host both Baylor and Oklahoma State, it may not be games that will go in their favour, not too mention they travel to TCU, and the idea of them playing Kansas State every year is one that you circle on the calendar as an upset alert. Lastly, you never know how Texas-OU will go, yes Oklahoma has dominated in recent years, but Texas is building something and could sneak one away this season.

Season Record (Prediction): 9-3

Expectations for the future: It is no secret that Brent Venables will be the “guy” to lead Oklahoma into the SEC transition. Oklahoma won’t stay away from contention for long(and their not down either), however Oklahoma could win the BIG 12 either next season or the year after. It is pretty clear what the expectations are at Oklahoma, and that they want nothing short of Championships every single year. As long as Oklahoma is locked and loaded when time comes for them to join the SEC, there won’t be any problem for them contending at the top with Alabama and Georgia. It will take a minute, as the BIG 12 and the SEC are two different ballgames. It is clear that Oklahoma is not afraid of the challenge and will be ready when the time comes. Expect Oklahoma to win Championships under Brent Venables, I would not expect anything less of that.

Likelihood of being the next Head coach at Clemson: 2. There is not much to be said here. Brent waited for the right job and he got it. This is where it all started for him, and it is a top 10 coaching job easily. This will be where Coach Venables is until he retires as well. His time and leadership is will respected and memorable, but he will not be coming back to Clemson. Venables deserves every bit of success and respect that he will have at Oklahoma.