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Oklahoma football: OU at top of list for 2022’s most intriguing coaches

By Chip Rouse

NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 23: Safety Chanse Sylvie #28 of the Oklahoma Sooners runs onto the field for a game against the TCU Horned Frogs on November 23, 2019 at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. OU held on to win 28-24. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 23: Safety Chanse Sylvie #28 of the Oklahoma Sooners runs onto the field for a game against the TCU Horned Frogs on November 23, 2019 at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. OU held on to win 28-24. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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The storylines are running rampant now as we go under 30 days before the start of another college and Oklahoma football season.

Not surprisingly, the Sooners are front and center in a number of the preseason stories and talk-show banter, given the offseason transformation that has taken place in Norman, Oklahoma.

The coaching job at Oklahoma was one of seven jobs at major college programs that have changed hands since last season. The changeovers that are drawing the most interest and are creating the most intrigue heading into the new season are the one involving former Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley and his move to USC and new Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables.

Pat Forde of Sports Illustrated has a recent article ranking the “25 Most Intriguing College Football Coaches of 2022.” Lincoln Riley and Brent Venables are listed as No. 1 and No. 2, respectively

About Riley, Forde writes:

"“Riley’s sudden and surprising move to Los Angeles set off an eruption of excitement among Trojans fans and a corresponding aftershock of anger in Norman, Oklahoma, where they are not used to being jilted.”"

Here is what he had to say about the intrigue around Venables and OU going forward:

"“Riley’s departure cleared the way for Venables’ arrival, setting the stage for what should be a stylistic reset of the Sooners.”"

Riley was at Oklahoma seven seasons in total, two as the offensive coordinator under Bob Stoops and five as head coach. Venables actually has a longer association with OU football, having served 13 seasons there, from 1999 to 2011, as defensive coordinator. Stoops is the common denominator between the two, having brought both coaches to Oklahoma.

Not all of the top 10 in Forde’s ranking of the most intriguing head coaches coming into the new college football season are new this season. Some of the old familiar faces made the top 10 as well.

Clemson’s Dabo Swinney in No. 3, Nick Saban of Alabama is No. 6, Ohio State head man Ryan Day is No. 7, Jimbo Fisher of Texas A&M is No. 8 and Jim Harbaugh of Michigan No. 10.

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