Josh Norman announces career change from Oklahoma

Josh Norman is leaving the Oklahoma football program (again).

Norman on Wednesday announced that he has resigned from his position as Director of SOUL Mission at Oklahoma to start a new career path. Norman said he will be the Executive Director at Santa Fe Family Life Center in Oklahoma City.

"The University of Oklahoma has been more than just a workplace-it has been a home and a foundation. My time here has been marked by growth, unforgettable memories, and relationships that have shaped me," Norman said in his announcement. "This was my second tenure at OU. As a student-athlete, I learned discipline, teamwork, and the power of dreaming big. Returning as an employee, I was honored to give back to the institution that poured so much into me. Working in S.O.U.L. Mission and alongside an incredible team has been one of the greatest privileges of my life."

Norman had been Director of SOUL Mission since 2022 alongside Curtis Lofton until Lofton became Football General Manager in 2024 for a year before ultimately leaving OU recently.

Brent Venables created SOUL Mission after he became the Sooners' head coach. SOUL is an abbreviation for, "Standing for serving our uncommon legacy." The purpose of SOUL Mission is to help players mature into successful adults with off-the-field initiatives.

The position returned Norman back to his alma-mater. Norman played running back and wide receiver for the Sooners from 1998 until 2001. He was an integral part in the Sooners winning their last national championship in 2000. Venables was co-defensive coordinator for that team.

After his OU career, Norman spent four seasons in the NFL as a tight end after signing with the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2002. He was on the New Yorks Jets' and Oakland Raiders' practice squads in 2005 before his time in the NFL concluded.

Norman's career path was pretty diverse after his playing career ended. He went into coaching first at high schools in Oklahoma and Texas. He also spent time as a music producer for Christian artists. Eventually, after getting fired as Southmoore's head coach after two seasons, Venables offered Norman the position of Director of SOUL Mission.

OU still has two other directors of SOUL Mission on staff in former OU linebacker Caleb King-Kelly and Zulaikha Losman. Norman was in charge of community service and former player engagement. King-Kelly's duties include career and professional development, while Losman takes care of parent and player relations.

Maddie Hall is the coordinator of SOUL Mission operations.