Brent Venables, the coach for Oklahoma football, is facing the departure of a crucial staff member, which may adversely impact the team’s recruitment endeavors.
Oklahoma football is seeing a significant departure from its coaching staff. Assistant coach J.R. Sandlin is set to leave the Sooners and join SMU, according to Sports Illustrated.
Sandlin has been instrumental in the football program’s recruitment efforts, serving as the director of player personnel and recruiting at Oklahoma. At SMU, he will assume the role of assistant athletic director and general manager, as the school transitions to the ACC.
Sandlin arrived at Oklahoma alongside head coach Brent Venables in late 2021. Together, they worked to revive the program after a disappointing 6-7 season in 2022. With Sandlin as an assistant, the Sooners achieved a 10-win season under Venables in 2023, albeit closing out the year with a loss in the Alamo Bowl to Arizona.
Amidst various changes, including Oklahoma’s move from the Big 12 Conference to the SEC in 2024, the football team is also restructuring its staff. Notably, Jolie Ale is set to join as the new director of on-campus recruiting, as reported by The Oklahoman.
Before his tenure at Oklahoma, Sandlin held positions at Jacksonville State, Notre Dame, Tennessee, and Alabama. He also has a background as a tight end at UCF and has coached at the high school level following his playing career, per Sports Illustrated. Now, Sandlin will play a pivotal role in elevating SMU’s competitiveness in the power 5 conference, the ACC, which will involve extensive travel for road games across the country.
