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Paul Finebaum: Oklahoma Has Left Itself Hostage to Brent Venables’ Contract

ESPN commentator Paul Finebaum recently criticized Oklahoma for prematurely locking head coach Brent Venables into a massive six-year extension averaging $10.5 million annually through 2031. According to the analysis, athletic director Roger Denny handed out the unnecessary deal without market pressure, mirroring precarious situations faced by programs like Florida State under Mike Norvell and USC under Lincoln Riley.

Because of this hefty financial commitment, the athletic department lacks the flexibility to make coaching changes without absorbing a massive financial penalty, leaving the program trapped by its own self-inflicted contract.

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