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Oklahoma announces major change to coaching staff ahead of SEC move
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Oklahoma is making a major change to its defensive coaching staff as the Sooners prepare for their first season in the SEC.
Head coach Brent Venables and the Sooners announced Thursday that defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Ted Roof and the program have mutually agreed to part ways. A longtime DC in the college ranks, Roof spent the past two seasons with the Sooners after serving as an analyst for Clemson in 2021.
“I have the utmost respect and appreciation for Ted,” said Venables, who hired Roof from Clemson in December 2021. “I told him Wednesday I made a decision to go in a new direction at defensive coordinator and offered him an opportunity to remain on our staff in a different role. He explained that he has a deep desire to keep coaching and will look to do that at a different school.
“Ted is an incredibly knowledgeable coach and teacher, and his players love playing for him. Our program is thankful for his extreme dedication the last two seasons and for helping make us better.”
Coach Venables announces defensive staff change.
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— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) January 4, 2024
Despite ranking second nationally in interceptions this season with 20, Oklahoma still gave up 23.5 points per game and just under 390 yards per game. While those numbers are improvements over the 2022 season, the Sooners surrendered 38 points in losses to Kansas and Arizona. Overall, the defense allowed 30+ 4 times this season.
With Oklahoma beginning its time in the SEC next season, finding the right man to lead the defense is paramount for Venables.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
