Oklahoma Sooners Seek New Defensive Coordinator After Zac Alley’s Departure
With the 2024 season in the rearview mirror, the Oklahoma Sooners are racing against the clock to replace defensive coordinator Zac Alley. With spring football only a couple of months away, the Sooners must quickly find the right candidate to lead their defense into 2025. The big question now: Who will be Oklahoma’s next defensive coordinator?
Command and Conquer: Brent Venables’ Leadership
Head coach Brent Venables is no stranger to building elite defenses. From his days with Bob Stoops to his championship-caliber units at Clemson, Venables has earned his reputation as a defensive mastermind.
While Venables excels in defensive strategy, he’s not shy about delegating responsibilities in areas where he’s less experienced. In 2023, it was Jeff Lebby leading the offense, followed by Seth Litrell and Joe Jon Finley in 2024. The defensive side, however, remains tightly under his control.
Alley’s departure offers Venables a unique chance to reshape his defensive staff. Alley, who had worked with Venables since 2011, left for an opportunity to step out of his mentor’s shadow, signaling both ambition and respect for Venables’ command of the defense.
Carrying the Torch Forward
Oklahoma’s defensive coaching structure has been complex, with multiple coordinators managing different aspects of the game plan. This mirrored the Sooners’ co-offensive coordinator model, which was streamlined with the hiring of Ben Arbuckle.
Now, Venables must find a defensive coordinator capable of unifying the scheme while preparing for the program’s future. With roster veterans leaving, a tougher schedule ahead, and staff changes underway, the Sooners need a leader who can execute without micromanagement. The right hire could define Oklahoma football for years to come.
Top Candidates for Oklahoma’s Defensive Coordinator Role
- Brandon Hall (Safeties Coach, Oklahoma Sooners)
- Hall’s promotion might seem unlikely, but he’s a logical choice if Venables looks internally. As Troy’s defensive play-caller, Hall limited opposing offenses to under 25 points per game. Additionally, he’s proven himself as an elite recruiter, addressing one of Venables’ weaknesses.
- Wes Goodwin (Defensive Coordinator, Clemson)
- A trusted ally of Venables, Goodwin shares a similar defensive philosophy and has consistently delivered strong results. His ability to run a cohesive defense makes him a top contender, especially if Venables seeks someone aligned with his vision.
- Bryan Brown (Defensive Backs Coach, Ole Miss)
- Known for crafting defenses that frustrate offenses, Brown has proven his mettle at Appalachian State, Louisville, and Cincinnati. The key question is whether he’s ready to take full control of a program’s defensive unit.
- Lance Guidry (Defensive Coordinator, Miami)
- Recently released by Miami, Guidry brings a top-30 defense and a creative playbook to the table. While his red-zone defense needs improvement, his overall track record makes him a viable candidate.
- Jonathan Patke (Defensive Coordinator, Duke)
- Despite Duke’s loss to Ole Miss, Patke guided the Blue Devils to a 9-4 season, allowing just five yards per play. With experience leading Texas State to its first bowl game and coaching at Miami, Patke could be the solution for Oklahoma’s defensive rebuild.
Final Prediction: Hall or Goodwin?
For the Sooners, anything less than a top-20 defense in 2025 could spell disaster. While all the candidates bring valuable skills, Brandon Hall and Wes Goodwin stand out.
- Hall offers the recruiting prowess and internal familiarity to ensure continuity.
- Goodwin brings experience, independence, and a proven ability to lead without constant oversight.
When the Sooners make their final choice, Last Word on Sports will be there to break it all down. Stay tuned as Oklahoma’s coaching staff reshapes its future!
