Franks is Tulsa’s DB coach and an Oklahoma alum who played for the Sooners from 2006 to 2010. When Venables arrived in Norman, he reportedly asked Franks to join his staff, and Franks’ longstanding ties to OU run deep beyond his playing days.
Historically, Venables has built his staff with outside perspectives, rarely hiring position coaches or coordinators with OU connections. That pattern has persisted through his first five major hires, making Franks’ potential elevation OU’s first exception to Venables’ hiring philosophy.
Davidson argues Franks is more than just an OU connection; he’s a former NFL standout and a proven DB coach, credentials that could justify a break from tradition if he were chosen to coach OU’s secondary. Franks’ experience at Tulsa positions him to quickly impact the Sooners’ back end.
Franks’ coaching track record includes developing Tulsa CB Elijah Green, who posted strong numbers and earned national recognition, along with other contributors like J.D. Drew. Davidson notes that Franks’ in-state ties to Owasso and Tulsa could aid OU in recruiting, beyond on-field impact.
An alternative candidate with Venables’ ties also surfaced: Mackensie Alexander, a Clemson All-American and former second-round pick who played under Venables at Clemson. Alexander has no coaching experience, making him an unusual fit for a first-time coaching hire, but Venables reportedly discussed a role for him in Norman.
Beyond Franks and Alexander, other names floated include Clemson’s Mike Reed, Arizona’s Chip Viney, and Arkansas’ RJ Rushing. Whatever path Venables selects, the decision will signal how willing OU is to bend its traditional hiring approach in pursuit of the right fit for the program’s future.
