Although, the unranked Oklahoma Sooners is struggling with four defeats this season, head coach Brent Venables seems to have taken the bag home. His return to the Sooners to become head coach was one of the most notable coaching changes of the 2022 cycle. The OU Board of Regents still has some confidence in their HC. At 20-14 overall, Venables is in his third year at the helm. He has a hefty contract — one that has become a topic of serious conversation as the Sooners near the end of a challenging season after an initial two-year stretch in which Oklahoma prioritized continuity and prepared for a transition to the SEC.

The university’s board granted Venables a six-year extension in 2023. This secured him insurance for the 2029 season for an impressive $51.6 million. This gives him an average annual salary of $7.25 million, making him the 15 highest-earning coaches in the league.

If Oklahoma were to part ways with the former Kansas State linebacker after the 2024 season, the buyout would reportedly cost the program as much as $44.8 million. His contract, which was designed to provide stability during Oklahoma’s SEC transition, makes a quick dismissal financially daunting. Followed by a lucrative $250,000 bonus for winning the SEC Championship Game.

In addition, he will receive $200,000 for participating in a first-round CFP game, and will increase this by $100,000 if the Sooners were to reach the quarter- and semi-finals. When he takes home the CFP Natty, his pocket will be filled with $750,000. As if this isn’t enough, don’t be surprised if he stays in Oklahoma for a few more years. Venables will receive up to $240,000 in private air transportation, a change from the 30 hours provided in his original contract. But what is the ROI of a head coach?

Is the Oklahoma Sooners spending on Brent Venables worth it?

That kind of monetary trust must be returned for the purpose for which it was put in place, which is to deliver results. Compared to his peers, he is one of the top earners. Fortunately, Bowl eligibility hasn’t been an issue in Oklahoma for a long time. Unfortunately, the Oklahoma Sooners’ 25-year active bowl streak that began in 1999, what still ranks as the second-longest continuous tenure in college football, is on the line. The Sooners (5-4) must win at least one of their next three games to break the six-win threshold needed for bowl eligibility.

Welcome to the SEC, Sooners. “In the SEC you’re forced to look at them through a different lens,” Venables said: “and the challenges of what you see week in and week out.” Missouri will be the most realistic option to make it happen for the three remaining teams on the schedule.

Brent Venables and Oklahoma face a similar foe they’ve met at least 50 times in Big 8 and Big 12 with Mizzou. As the season comes to a close, all eyes are on whether the Sooners will remain patient with Venables. Or consider taking a financial hit to potentially reorient the program’s future trajectory within the SEC.