'Can’t Put A Hard Deadline On It:' Venables On Hiring OC, Alabama Matchup

Brent Venables met with the media on Tuesday before Oklahoma hosts Alabama this Saturday at 6:30.

Coach had thoughts on Alabama, but the topic of a new offensive coordinator has been the biggest topic in the last two weeks.

“We've talked to several people, and so we feel like we're in a good position where we need to be,” Venables said. “Can’t put a hard deadline on it, making that decision and doing the process, it's due diligence, and there's a lot of layers to it, as you can imagine. There certainly is (a sense of urgency to) finding the best solution to where we're at right now, but there is a real thing called the regular season that's got to finish up. And if I'm talking to the right people, which I believe I am, then they're going to be sensitive to finishing what they started and being loyal to their players."

“Sooner rather than later is when I want it finished. I want to get it right, so that’s our focus," said Venables.

This will be the first trip to Norman for the Crimson Tide since 2002 and there is a lot at stake for Alabama. They are firmly in the hunt for a playoff spot even with two losses on the season. Venables knows this is a dangerous team.

"Incredibly explosive, certainly it starts, everything goes through the quarterback. They are really good up front, they know what they are doing and they are making everything work. The running backs are fantastic, they have home run hitters, real strong and physical guys that run behind their pads."

Jackson Arnold was also a topic. “I don’t know what the future holds,” Venables said of Arnold’s future. “We love Jackson and we believe in him."

“There's plenty of guys going through rough spots that still have the ability to lead and fight and compete, and so that goes along with that position as well. But representing the offensive side of the ball, those are two of our best leaders in Troy Everett and Jackson Arnold.”

Saturday is Senior Day in Norman for the Sooners.