Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables will reportedly accept a $1 million pay cut for the 2025 season. The move reflects his commitment to the program’s long-term success as the Sooners transition into the SEC. Venables’ decision highlights leadership, accountability, and a willingness to prioritize the team over personal earnings.

Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables will take a $1 million pay cut for the 2025 season, lowering his salary to $7.55 million, according to USA Today’s Steve Berkowitz. An Oklahoma spokesperson confirmed Venables personally initiated the move as a one-time contribution to the school’s new athlete revenue-sharing program under the House v. NCAA settlement.

Venables isn’t alone in this approach. Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy also took a $1 million salary reduction to support revenue sharing, while Florida State’s Mike Norvell is expected to contribute a significant $4.5 million. These moves highlight how top coaches are directly investing in the new era of athlete compensation.

OU officials emphasized that the move came entirely from Brent Venables. A school spokesperson told USA Today it was a “one-time give-back” to support revenue sharing. Athletic director Joe Castiglione added to SoonerScoop that Venables first proposed it in February, calling it a reflection of his leadership and commitment to OU’s success.