The deal to make Brent Venables the new Head Coach at Oklahoma was announced Sunday night. Venables has been an incredibly key cog in Clemson's rise to national prominence. He has likely been the most important piece of the coaching staff during this run. His impact is obvious once you examine the numbers defensively under Venables and prior to his arrival. On Monday , Dabo Swinney issued the statement below on the departure of Brent Venables.
“I am super excited for Brent and Julie and the entire Venables family. Man, he’s not only been a great co-worker and defensive coordinator, but he’s been a great friend.
"I’m so excited for this opportunity for him. He’s been very patient. He’s had many opportunities along the way. This was just the right fit for him and the right time with a lot of familiarity for him at Oklahoma. I know he is well-prepared. It’s been fun for me to watch him really grow since 2012, and I’m excited for Oklahoma because they’re not only getting a good coach, they’re also getting a great man who is going to do it the right way.
"His hiring is a great compliment to our program and to all the great players that we’ve had. I’m going to miss him, but at the same time, I’m also excited about moving forward here and the great opportunity ahead.
Today is a great day for Brent and his family and a great day for Oklahoma, and the entire Clemson Family and I are proud of — and thankful for — his 10 years here and the lives he impacted in the process.”