OU football defensive coordinator candidates: Six options to replace Zac Alley

Posted by Admin December 29, 2024 Football

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NORMAN — Co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Zac Alley is leaving the OU football program after one season to become the defensive coordinator at West Virginia, according to an ESPN report Saturday.

During his lone season with the Sooners, Alley’s defense ranked No. 31 nationally. He was a nominee for the Broyles Award, which is given to the top assistant coach in college football, and helped linebacker Danny Stutsman become one of five finalists for the Butkus Award, which is presented to the nation’s best linebacker.

Head coach Brent Venables is now in search for his third defensive coordinator in as many years. Less than a month ago, he hired Ben Arbuckle as OU’s third offensive coordinator in three years.

Here are some potential candidates to replace Alley:

Wes Goodwin, Clemson defensive coordinator/linebackers

Like Alley, Clemson’s Wes Goodwin served as a graduate assistant under Venables. Goodwin then served as a defensive analyst for three seasons and a senior defensive assistant to Venables for four seasons with the Tigers.

However, Clemson’s defense struggled under Goodwin’s leadership this season. After leading the ACC in total defense in 2023, the Tigers allowed 374.1 total yards per game and 5.5 yards per play in 2024. Could Venables’ relationship with him and Clemson’s underwhelming 2024 lead to a reunion in Norman?

Brandon Hall, Oklahoma safeties coach

Brandon Hall is perhaps the best internal option to take over defensive coordinator duties. He has a lot of experience, having served as defensive coordinator at Jacksonville State and Troy, and even stepping in as the Trojans’ interim head coach in 2021.

Hall would offer continuity to a defense that is expected to return a lot of key pieces next season. He also might be one of the most likely options with a prove it year ahead for Venables.

Scott Symons, SMU defensive coordinator/safeties

Scott Symons would be considered a dream candidate for the Sooners. A Hurst, Texas, native, Symons was named a Broyles Award semifinalist and helped lead the Mustangs to the College Football Playoff.

He signed a multi-year contract extension to stay at SMU a few weeks ago and it would likely be tough to persuade him to leave the Mustangs for less job security.

Travis Williams, Arkansas defensive coordinator

Travis Williams has led the Razorbacks’ defense for two seasons. He transformed the Hogs’ defense in 2023, when they allowed 357.2 yards per game, the program’s lowest average per game since 2014.

Williams would bring significant SEC experience, having played and coached at Auburn as well. He helped engineer an upset of Tennessee this season in which the Vols were limited to a season-low 14 points.

Bryan Brown, Mississippi co-defensive coordinator/defensive backs

Bryan Brown is an intriguing option. At 41, Brown has worked as defensive coordinator at Appalachian State, Louisville and Cincinnati. He also brings SEC experience being a Mississippi alum and helping lead its defense alongside Pete Golding in 2024.

Brown held Oklahoma to 20 points in 2023 when he was at Cincinnati. Would he leave his alma mater? He made $750,000 last season, OU would surely increase that significantly.

Jon Heacock, Iowa State defensive coordinator/safeties

Jon Heacock is known for using the 3-3-5 defense for years at Iowa State. Alley was also known to frequently use the defense when he was hired by the Sooners.

Heacock has chosen to stay with the Cyclones over and over again. Like the some of the previous potential candidates mentioned, he’d be hard to pry away.