Blake, now fifty-nine, led the Sooners from 1996 to 1998, although his tenure was not particularly successful—the team finished just 12-22 and had three losing seasons in that span. But Blake should be remembered for both his outstanding relationships with all of his players and staff, as well as for setting up the Crimson and Cream for their most recent, undefeated national title run in 2000.
Blake began his coaching career as an offensive assistant at Tulsa prior to his tenure at OU. He then traveled to OU in 1989 to take a position as defensive line coach. Before joining the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL and becoming their D-line coach, he also spent three years coaching linebackers. The Cowboys won two Super Bowls under his leadership.
After their third and last Super Bowl victory in 1995, Blake went back to Norman, this time in the role of head coach at his former university. In 2003, he would make a comeback to the game at Mississippi State following his tenure with the Sooners. In addition, he was the defensive line coach at North Carolina from 2007 to 2010 and Nebraska from 2004 to 2006. In 2016, he hung up his coaching hat with the Buffalo Bills.
From 1979 until 1982, Blake was the Sooners’ nose guard. They completed those four seasons with a 36-4-8 record.
Reactions from the Sooner community have started flooding in following the news.Two weeks have passed since the former Oklahoma Sooners head coach’s departure was announced. One week into Brent Venables’s job, we’re starting to see the structure of his coaching staff take shape. On the recruiting trail, we’re also witnessing the implementation of a strategy as Venables and his team refocus on talent in the southeast, specifically in Florida.
In Norman, a new era begins with the return of Oklahoma Football’s long-lost son, who hopes to turn around the program that has been losing ground ever since Lincoln Riley was appointed head coach.
Here are some closing reflections on the coaching shift as we close one chapter and start writing a new one.
Farewell, Lincoln
And Lincoln Riley moved himself out west to coach the Trojans, disappearing like a wisp in the breeze. Upon refining their search and starting to assemble their coaching team, the Oklahoma Sooners leadership swiftly transformed what felt like a devastating loss into hope.
Riley enjoyed his time with the Oklahoma Sooners, but his short career will prevent him from being regarded among the team’s historical icons. At Oklahoma, loyalty and longevity are important. Riley also failed to impress after leading the show for just five seasons.
However, as one era comes to an end in the book, another one appears to be beginning, and Oklahoma’s leadership appears to be doing an excellent job of it.
The Ideal Candidate for the Position
After battle, Brent Venables returned to Norman amid the usual fanfare that greets a victorious hero coming from battle. Now, during his ten years apart from the Oklahoma Sooners, Venables faced Alabama head-to-head and emerged victorious on several occasions, claiming two national titles in the process.
Oklahoma has a player who has outperformed the best that conference has to offer as it gets ready to eventually join the SEC. When the Venables-led Oklahoma Sooners join the Southeastern Conference, nobody will frighten them, and that kind of thing counts.
Getting Started Again
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