Overview

• Documents obtained Aug. 29 confirm the 2025-only change, setting Venables’ pay at $7.55 million for this season.
• The contract still runs through Jan. 31, 2030, with future salaries unchanged and fully guaranteed if he is fired without cause, subject to offset.
• OU says Venables initiated the cut to contribute to the department’s revenue-sharing formula tied to expanded NIL rules that permit up to $20.5 million in athlete benefits in 2025–26.
• Athletics director Joe Castiglione praised the move as leadership aimed at retaining current players and supporting recruiting under the new model.
• Other major-conference coaches have made similar moves, including Florida State’s Mike Norvell with a $4.5 million reduction and Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy with a $1 million cut for 2025.