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Debate

Is Brent Venables risking Oklahoma's future by firing Seth Littrell despite a $2.2 million cost?

Things do not look good in the Oklahoma hood. The Sooners were soundly defeated as Texas flexed their muscle after a slow start in the first quarter. For third-year HC Brent Venables, Saturday, October 12’s Red River Rivalry matchup was a chance to bolster the ground under his feet. But poor Venables! While the HC tried to make use of the second chance against the South Carolina Gamecocks, even it turned out to be a big failure as the Sooners got outplayed. Was the HC too upset with the loss?

Definitely. But he did not brood over the pain. Rather pounced into “business” and took quick actions by making major changes in the coaching lineup very well knowing that would result in emptying a $2.2 million fortune.  

How Seth Littrell landed in Brent Venables’ firing line

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On October 12, a 35-9 loss crept in the Sooners hood. 35-9, NINE!? Yes, the Oklahoma fans could relate to the void they had to fight with after facing off against Shane Beamer’s army. And in no way Venables pushed their shortcomings under the table. Instead, the Oklahoma HC confessed, “I’m disappointed for um Oklahoma fans this University.” He further brushed upon Sooners’ morals highlighting, “This a result results driven business.”

After Oklahoma fell to 4-3 on the season, Venables had been on a scouting mission to identify the loopholes. That’s where OC Seth Littrell fell under the HC’s radar. The coaching staff came up with a new gameplan against Gamecocks with co-offensive coordinator Joe Jon Finley joining Littrell. But it all turned out to be a big flop. 

For this, the OC even felt bad as post-game he confessed, “I hurt for them because they’re putting in the work we’re not getting the results.” Hardly, did he know that he would get fired minutes later. Right after that Venables decided to shake up his coaching staff. A part of the HC’s statement read, “Seth is an all-time great Sooner…and has poured his heart and soul into both. Despite that, our performance as an offense this season has not at all lived up to the OU standard and I felt a change was necessary now.” Well, that’s a risky move. 

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Brent Venables’ decision to fire Seth Littrell won’t come cheap

What’s your perspective on:

Is Brent Venables risking Oklahoma's future by firing Seth Littrell despite a $2.2 million cost?

Have an interesting take?

Sadly, firing their OC does not come easy for Venables and Co. Littrell had taken over the post to fill the space left by the former OC Jeff Lebby who left for the head coaching role at Mississippi State. Now let’s dive into “business.” The recently fired Oklahoma coach’s contract runs through 2026. Going by the data, the Sooners are supposed to pay Littrell $1.1 million per year.

Time for some calculations! Now that Venables has turned away from the OC, still two years are left for his contract to get over. In that case, Sooners will have to arrange a cash amount of $1.1 million multiplied by two, which makes up to $2.2 million. If you think that’s it, then hold on a bit tighter!

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Brent Venables’ program owes an extra $50,000 since as per the contract Seth Littrell was subjected to receive an increment from his current $1.1 million on Feb. 1, 2025, and Feb. 1, 2026. Now let’s see, how far will the HC go to patch up Oklahoma’s leaky ship—even if it costs a fortune?   

 

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