Venables Reshapes Staff: Witten, Morgan Highlight Major Offseason Overhaul
The 2026 offseason has brought a wave of change to Norman as head coach Brent Venables restructures his staff following the program’s first SEC campaign and College Football Playoff appearance.
With key departures to the NFL and other programs, Venables has moved quickly to secure replacements that blend high-level playing experience with proven coaching acumen.
The Big Splash: Jason Witten Hired as Tight Ends Coach
In the most headline-grabbing move of the offseason, Oklahoma has hired future Hall of Fame tight end Jason Witten as the new tight ends coach.
Witten, a Dallas Cowboys legend and one of the most productive tight ends in NFL history, replaces Joe Jon Finley. Witten’s arrival is expected to pay immediate dividends on the recruiting trail, particularly in the talent-rich Dallas-Fort Worth area where he is revered. While his coaching experience is limited compared to career assistants, his knowledge of the position and instant credibility with recruits are viewed as major assets.
Defensive Backfield Shakeup
The departure of cornerbacks coach Jay Valai to the Buffalo Bills created a significant void in the defensive room. Venables tapped into his network to hire Lamar Morgan as the new defensive backs coach.
Morgan arrives from Michigan, where he spent the last two seasons helping build one of the nation’s stingiest pass defenses. A former safety at Louisiana, Morgan brings a reputation as a relentless recruiter and a technician who aligns perfectly with Venables’ complex defensive schemes.
Running Backs: A New Chapter
With DeMarco Murray leaving to join the Kansas City Chiefs staff, the Sooners turned to Deland McCullough to lead the running backs room. McCullough is widely regarding as one of the best RB coaches in the country, with stints at Notre Dame, Indiana, and the NFL’s Chiefs and Raiders. His track record of developing NFL talent makes him an ideal successor to Murray.
Analysis: Venables Doubles Down
These hires signal a clear strategy from Venables entering Year 5: combine elite development with high-profile recruiting capability. The loss of Valai and Murray stings—both were key recruiters—but upgrading to McCullough and taking a high-upside swing with Witten shows that Oklahoma is not content to stand pat after a 10-3 season.
The new staff will hit the ground running with spring practice just around the corner, as the Sooners look to build on their 2025 playoff run.
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