If knowledge is power, then Oklahoma’s defensive coaching staff might be the strongest in college football. With his job potentially on the line, head coach Brent Venables has stacked his 2025 defensive staff with serious talent, creating one of the deepest groups in the country.
Venables, a two-time national champion as a defensive coordinator, has always had a defensive-first mindset. But this year, he’s making it official—he’ll be calling the plays himself.
“Since I was hired as head coach, we have carefully assembled the defensive personnel and scheme that is suited to compete at the highest level, and we’ve built a deep and talented roster ready for the moment,” Venables said in a statement. “I have high expectations for our program and will do everything in my power to achieve our goals for our players. To that end, I will take over defensive play-calling responsibilities for the 2025 season.”
Stacking the Coaching Staff
With Venables taking the reins, OU also added two new defensive coaches: Nate Dreiling (inside linebackers coach) and Wes Goodwin (assistant linebackers/outside linebackers coach). Both come in with impressive résumés—each has been a defensive coordinator at the college level.
That makes six defensive coaches on staff with coordinator experience.
OU already had co-defensive coordinators Todd Bates and Jay Valai. Bates, also the associate head coach and defensive tackles coach, has a history with Venables from their Clemson days and helped produce multiple first-round NFL picks. Valai, who works with the cornerbacks and nickelbacks, has coached at Alabama, Texas, and even under Andy Reid with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Safeties coach Brandon Hall has also been a defensive coordinator at multiple schools, including Troy and Jacksonville State.
More Firepower with Goodwin and Dreiling
Wes Goodwin arrives after a rollercoaster stint as Clemson’s defensive coordinator. He was fired after three seasons but still led a defense that helped Clemson win the ACC championship and reach the College Football Playoff. His 2023 defense ranked eighth nationally in total defense, and even last season, his unit excelled in takeaways and tackles for loss.
Nate Dreiling, though only 34, has already spent five seasons as a defensive coordinator at Utah State, New Mexico State, and Pittsburg State. He even served as Utah State’s interim head coach last season. Now, he’ll be taking on a more specialized role under Venables.
For OU, having two guys who recently led entire defensive units stepping into assistant roles speaks volumes about the depth of this staff—and the belief in Venables’ vision.
OU’s 2025 Defensive Coaching Staff
Brent Venables – Head Coach
Todd Bates – Associate Head Coach / Co-Defensive Coordinator / Run Defense / Defensive Tackles
Jay Valai – Assistant Head Coach for Defense / Co-Defensive Coordinator / Pass Defense / Cornerbacks & Nickelbacks
Brandon Hall – Safeties
Nate Dreiling – Inside Linebackers
Wes Goodwin – Assistant Linebackers / Outside Linebackers
Miguel Chavis – Defensive Ends
Rufus Alexander – Defensive Analyst / Player Development
Xavier Brewer – Senior Defensive Analyst
Trent Simpson – Defensive Analyst
Ryan Carter – Graduate Assistant
With this stacked lineup, the Sooners’ defense is shaping up to be one of the most experienced and well-coached units in the country. The SEC better be ready.