Kevin Wilson Returns to Oklahoma as Offensive Analyst in Brent Venables’ Latest Move
NORMAN, Okla. – Brent Venables has made yet another strategic addition to his coaching staff, bringing back a familiar name to the Oklahoma Sooners program. Multiple sources confirmed Sunday night that former OU offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson has rejoined the staff as an offensive analyst.
Wilson and Venables share a deep history, having coached together in Norman from 2002 to 2010. Now, the 63-year-old Wilson is set to provide his extensive offensive expertise in a support role, a move expected to further solidify the Sooners’ coaching structure.
A Veteran Voice Joins the Sooners’ Sidelines
Wilson’s addition as an analyst is not expected to disrupt the system of newly appointed offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle. Instead, his experience will play a critical role in self-scouting, opponent film breakdown, and strategic preparation—areas where analysts traditionally make their mark.
According to OU Insider, Wilson will also serve as an assistant to Venables, adding another layer of experience to the Sooners’ coaching room.
A Storied Past in Norman
Wilson originally joined Bob Stoops’ staff in 2002 as run game coordinator and offensive line coach under then-OC Chuck Long. In 2006, he was promoted to offensive coordinator and tight ends/fullbacks coach, a move that saw him shape some of the most explosive offenses in Oklahoma history.
Under Wilson’s direction, Paul Thompson guided the Sooners to a Big 12 Championship in 2006. In 2007, Wilson helped freshman Sam Bradford emerge as an All-American, and by 2008, Bradford won the Heisman Trophy, leading an OU offense that set an all-time NCAA record with 716 points scored and a record-breaking five consecutive games of 60+ points.
That historic team also featured DeMarco Murray, now OU’s running backs coach, and Joe Jon Finley, who currently oversees the tight ends. Wilson’s ability to develop talent and implement innovative offensive strategies left a lasting impact on the Sooners’ program.
A Mixed Head Coaching Stint
After leaving OU in 2011, Wilson took his first head coaching job at Indiana, where he led the Hoosiers to two bowl appearances before resigning in 2016 amid allegations of player mistreatment. He then resurfaced as Ohio State’s offensive coordinator, where he worked under Urban Meyer and later Ryan Day, helping the Buckeyes maintain one of the nation’s most potent offenses from 2017 to 2022.
Wilson’s most recent head coaching stop was at Tulsa, where he struggled to gain traction, posting a 4-8 record in 2023 before being dismissed late in the 2024 season.
A Crucial Addition for 2025
Wilson’s return comes as Venables prepares for his fourth spring practice period, which begins March 6. With the OU spring game scheduled for April 12, the Sooners will look to integrate Wilson’s offensive acumen into their preparation for a crucial 2025 season.
Venables’ decision to bring Wilson back is already being praised, with veteran OU analyst Dean Blevins calling it a “really great hire” and noting that Wilson’s experience could make him a valuable ally for Arbuckle.
With a coaching resume that spans more than three decades, Wilson’s return to Norman represents not only a homecoming but also a significant boost to the Sooners’ offensive brain trust. The question now is how quickly his expertise will translate into on-field success as Oklahoma prepares for its first season in the SEC.
