Big 12 Media Days: Sooner Coach Venables on evolving the team

University of Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables speaks on the second day of NCAA college football Big 12 Media Days in Arlington, Texas, Thursday, July 13, 2023. (Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman via AP)

By STEPHEN HAWKINS AP Sports Writer

Oklahoma coach Brent Venables was asked how he has evolved after going 6-7 in his debut as the coach of the Sooners, who had their first losing season since 1998.

“You used the word evolve; that’s what you always do,” Venables responded. “Even when you go 14-1 or 15-0 or 13-0. … Even through success, you’re always looking at ways to improve and get better. Having a never-satisfied attitude is never going to change for me.”

Venables was part of two national championships as Clemson’s defensive coordinator before returning to Norman as head coach. He was on Bob Stoops staff at Oklahoma from 1999-2011 that included a national title in 2000.

“I’ve got good revisionist memory,” Venables said of Stoops’ undefeated championship in his second season. “I remember what that year was like.”