Brent Venables is confident that Doug Deakin has the ability to revive Oklahoma’s special teams and make them exceptional once more.
Brent Venables understands the necessity for improvement in Oklahoma’s special teams, particularly as the team transitions to the Southeastern Conference. While there are areas where the Sooners may need to catch up, Venables believes that special teams can be an area of strength. With the right personnel, coaching, and strategies, Oklahoma can excel in this phase of the game. This is why Venables brought on Doug Deakin, impressed by his track record and passion for the job. Deakin’s past successes align well with Venables’ vision for Oklahoma’s special teams. Despite Oklahoma’s low ranking in special teams efficiency in 2023, Venables sees potential for improvement with Deakin’s expertise. Deakin’s history at San Diego State, where his units consistently ranked highly nationally, suggests he can transform Oklahoma’s special teams from a weakness to a strength. Although he’ll take on an analyst role at Oklahoma, Deakin’s influence in practice and strategic planning is expected to make a significant impact. Venables is optimistic that with Deakin’s guidance, Oklahoma’s special teams will see marked improvement, emphasizing the importance of consistency and efficiency in all aspects of the game.
