Although, the unranked Oklahoma Sooners are struggling this season with four losses, head coach Brent Venables seems to have taken the bag home. His return to Sooners to become the head coach was one of the highest-profile coaching changes of the 2022 cycle. The OU’s Board of Regents still has some faith left in their HC. With 20-14 overall, Venables is in his third year at the helm. He is sitting on a hefty contract—one that has become a topic of serious conversation as the Sooners head toward the end of a challenging season, following an initial two-year stint that saw Oklahoma prioritize continuity and prepare for a transition to the SEC.

The board of the university awarded Venables a six-year extension in 2023. Securing him through the 2029 season at an impressive $51.6 million. This earns him an average annual salary of $7.25 million, which makes him the top 15 highest-earning coach in the league.

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

Additionally, he enjoys $200,000 for participating in a CFP first round game and increase it by a $100k if the Sooners were to reach the quarter and semis. Bringing the CFP Natty home will fill his pocket with $750,000. Don’t be surprised if he stays in Oklahoma for a few more years as if this wasn’t already enough. Venables receives up to $240,000 in private air transportation, a change from the 30 hours he was provided in his original contract. But what is the ROI of head coach?

Is Oklahoma Sooners splurging on Brent Venables worth it?

That kind of monetary trust needs to be returned for the purpose he is hired for, that is, to yield results. He is amongst the top earners compared to his peers. Fortunately, Bowl eligibility hasn’t been a question of if in Oklahoma for a long, long time. Alas, the Oklahoma Sooners’ 25-year active bowl streak that started in 1999. Which still stands as the second longest unbroken tenure in college football is at stake. The Sooners (5-4) need to win at least one game of the next three to break the six-win threshold required to reach 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 a reality of the three remaining teams on its schedule.

Brent Venables and Oklahoma face a similar foe who they have faced at least 50 times in Big 8 and Big 12 with Mizzou. As the season wraps up, all eyes are on whether the Sooners will remain patient with Venables. Or consider taking a financial hit to potentially redirect the program’s future trajectory in the SEC.