Venables is Clemson's new defensive coordinator.
(AP) -- COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Clemson has landed Oklahoma's Brent Venables to take over the Tigers defense. Tigers coach Dabo Swinney texted The Associated Press with the news Wednesday night, "BV to Clemson."
The 41-year old Venables will take over for Dillon native Kevin Steele, who left Clemson last week with Swinney saying the two had philosophical differences. Venables visited Clemson last weekend. There were no details when Venables would arrive on campus to start working. He played linebacker at Kansas State and was an assistant for both the Wildcats and Sooners. He has coached in 18 bowl games.
Venables had served as the Sooners defensive coordinator since 1999 and helped Oklahoma win a national championship in 2000. His annual salary was $440,000 at OU.
The Tigers were 81st nationally at more than 29 points a game this year. The capper came in the Orange Bowl when the Atlantic Coast Conference champions gave up a bowl record 70 points in losing to West Virginia.
(Copyright ©2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
