ATLANTA (Oct. 9, 2023) - Officials from the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Peach Bowl, Inc. today announced that Oklahoma head football coach Brent Venables has been selected as The Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week Presented by PNC Bank.
The Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week award honors a football coach who led his team to a significant victory during the previous week, while also embodying the award's three pillars of scholarship, leadership and integrity.
No. 12 Oklahoma defeated No. 3 Texas 34-30 in a battle of unbeatens in the annual Red River Rivalry on Saturday. The victory marked Oklahoma's first win over a top-three ranked team in the AP poll since 2017, and also represented the Sooners' fifth victory over the Longhorns in their last six meetings. With just over a minute remaining down by a field goal, Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel orchestrated a 75-yard drive in five plays, connecting with Nic Anderson for a 3-yard touchdown with 15 seconds left to win the game. Gabriel completed 23 of 38 passes for 285 yards and ran 14 times for 113 yards and a score. The OU offense also registered a season-high 201 rushing yards in the win, while Oklahoma's defense forced two interceptions and a fumble, to go along with a season-high five sacks.
"This was a statement win for both coach Venables and the OU football program, beating a rival in a game that had both Big 12 and College Football Playoff implications," said Jim Terry, chairman of the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation. "Coach Dodd always preached the importance of a balanced attack, and the Sooners exemplified that on Saturday, having season-high performances on both sides of the ball."
In his second season at Oklahoma, Venables has posted a 12-7 record as the head coach for the Sooners, including a perfect 6-0 mark so far this season. Venables served previous roles at Kansas State, Oklahoma and Clemson as a linebackers coach and defensive coordinator, winning three national titles, leading his teams to eight national championship appearances and coaching in 33 bowl games. He is also a three-time Broyles Award Finalist and 2016 winner of the award for the nation's top assistant coach.
Venables' student-athletes have also been successful in the classroom earning a 967 Academic Progress Rate during the last academic year, while also recording a Graduation Success Rate of 75 in 2022.
In the community, Venables "Coach V's 212 Foundation" operates to encourage others to become change agents in everyday life by using the 212 platform as a voice for every Oklahoman. The 212 Foundation was created to provide hope and belief for a pathway of freedom, empowerment, recovery and early detection to meet local needs surrounding issues such as domestic violence, addiction and female-specific cancer research.
"In only his second season, coach Venables is already building a strong program in Norman, both on and off the field," said Gary Stokan, CEO and president of Peach Bowl, Inc. "This was a huge, season-defining win for him that has put the Sooners in prime contention for a chance to compete for a conference title and potentially a CFP bid."
The Dodd Trophy Presented by PNC Bank – along with the Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week Award – celebrates the head coach of a FBS team who enjoys success on the gridiron, while also stressing the importance of scholarship, leadership and integrity.
A panel consisting of all previous winners, national media, a member of the Dodd family and a College Football Hall of Fame member will identify the final list of potential recipients at the conclusion of the 2023 season. The winner of the 2023 Dodd Trophy Presented by PNC Bank will be announced in Atlanta during the week of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.
