Brett Venables fires Oklahoma coach after CFP loss to Alabama, per report

Oklahoma Sooners coach Brent Venables is expected to make another staff change following the program’s College Football Playoff exit.

Oklahoma is expected to fire tight ends coach Joe Jon Finley, according to a report Thursday from SoonerScoop.com. The move comes less than two weeks after the Sooners’ 34-24 loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide in the first round of the CFP on Dec. 19.

Finley spent five seasons on the Oklahoma staff and was originally hired by former coach Lincoln Riley in January 2021. During the 2024 season, Finley served as co-offensive coordinator and tight ends coach, taking over play-calling duties for the final six games after Seth Littrell was dismissed midseason.

Despite increased responsibility, development at the tight end position remained a concern. High school signees under Finley combined for just nine receptions and two touchdowns across five seasons, while multiple transfer additions failed to make a consistent impact.

Finley was a former Oklahoma standout, earning four letters and contributing to three Big 12 championship teams from 2004-07. Prior to returning to Norman, he coached at Ole Miss, Texas A&M and Missouri.

Venables and general manager Jim Nagy are expected to evaluate internal and external options as the Sooners reshape their offensive staff heading into 2026.

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