Back to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Newsfeed

Oklahoma hires Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables as Sooners' new football coach

Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables is Oklahoma's new head football coach, the university announced.

A deal was finalized Sunday night after OU athletic director Joe Castiglione flew to the Clemson area to meet with Venables, who had emerged as the Sooners' top target. Venables flew back with the Oklahoma contingent Sunday night and will be formally introduced Monday morning.

"This is an incredibly special opportunity," Venables said in a statement released by Oklahoma, calling the Sooners "one of the winningest and most tradition-rich programs in college football history."

"There's no question we are equipped to compete at the very highest level and attract the best players from across the country.