ATLANTA (Nov. 17, 2025) - 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.

Venables earned this week's honor after leading No. 11 Oklahoma to a 23-21 upset victory over No. 4 Alabama on Saturday afternoon in Tuscaloosa. The win snapped the Crimson Tide's 17-game home win streak and handed Kalen DeBoer his first loss inside Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Oklahoma's defense fueled the upset, converting three takeaways into 17 points and holding Alabama to just 57 yards across its final four drives. Defensive back Eli Bowen delivered a pivotal 87-yard interception return for a touchdown, while linebacker Kip Lewis registered two sacks and a crucial quarterback hurry that helped spark Bowen's pick. The Sooners also recovered two fumbles and did not commit a turnover – marking their second straight road win generated by multiple takeaways.

Kicker Tate Sandell extended his school-record streak to 21 consecutive field goals, connecting from 25, 52 and 24 yards, while quarterback John Mateer led the Oklahoma offense with 161 total yards and a rushing score. Wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III added 89 all-purpose yards, including a 42-yard punt return that set up the Sooners' first touchdown.

"Coach Venables has built Oklahoma into a resilient football program that competes with toughness, poise and discipline," said Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation Chairman Jim Terry. "Going on the road and defeating a top-five opponent in one of the most difficult environments in college football shows the leadership and competitive standard he's instilled in his team."

Now in his fourth season at the helm, Venables has guided Oklahoma to multiple wins over top-five opponents and kept the Sooners squarely in the national postseason picture. Oklahoma has four victories this season over teams ranked in the AP poll at the time of competition and remains unbeaten in true road games. Saturday's win at No. 4 Alabama marked Oklahoma's highest-ranked road victory since defeating No. 2 Ohio State in 2017.

In the classroom, Venables continues to emphasize academic development as a pillar of his program. Oklahoma football holds a 993 Academic Progress Rate and a 77 Graduation Success Rate, demonstrating his commitment to producing well-rounded student-athletes who excel both athletically and academically.

In the community, Venables has built a culture of service focused on creating meaningful impact throughout Norman and across the state of Oklahoma. Sooner student-athletes, coaches and staff consistently support outreach initiatives through the OU SOUL Mission program, participating in school visits, mentorship programs, hospital visits, food drives and numerous local service projects each year. Additionally, Venables continues to champion his long-standing 212 Foundation, which supports single mothers, breast cancer research and education, while encouraging individuals to "care one extra degree" through service and giving back to those facing challenges in communities across Oklahoma.

"Coach Venables has drilled belief, accountability and a team-first mindset within the Oklahoma program," said Gary Stokan, Peach Bowl, Inc. CEO and president. "Saturday's win on the road against the No. 4 team in the country shows how far he has taken this program, and why the Sooners are firmly in position as College Football Playoff contenders."

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. Now celebrating its 50th anniversary this season, the award was established to honor the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division 1A) head football coach whose program represents the highest ideals on and off the field.

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 2025 season. The winner of the 2025 Dodd Trophy Presented by PNC Bank will be announced in Atlanta during the week of the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.