Alabama's Kalen DeBoer pouches an analyst from Brent Venables' defensive staff at Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Sooners are dealing with another departure from their defensive support staff, as Trent Simpson is leaving Norman for Tuscaloosa. According to multiple reports, including CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz and On3, Simpson has been hired by the Alabama Crimson Tide as assistant defensive line coach, a promotion from his role as a defensive analyst with the Sooners.
Simpson spent the last four seasons at Oklahoma, working directly as a defensive analyst under head coach Brent Venables. He was part of the rebuilding process that has transformed the Sooners’ defense since Venables took over in 2022.
Now, in a move announced during Oklahoma’s spring practices, Simpson is heading to a fellow SEC program, which adds an extra sting for Sooner fans. Alabama and Oklahoma do not play one another this upcoming season, however they have played against one three times in the last two years.
The timing feels particularly frustrating for Oklahoma. The program has already navigated several offseason staff changes. That said, Brent Venables has built a reputation for maintaining depth and stability on the defensive side of the ball.
The Sooners’ analyst group remains solid despite the loss. Assistant secondary coach and senior defensive analyst Xavier Brewer continues to serve as the headliner of the unit. He is joined by newly hired assistant edges coach Aaron Cheatwood, along with defensive analysts Rufus Alexander, Jeremiah Criddell, James Skalski, and recent addition DeShawn Williams. On special teams, Stephen Copeland steps in as the new special teams analyst.
Venables has consistently expressed confidence in the defensive personnel and scheme he has assembled.
Before last season, with Simpson on staff, the head coach stated: “Since I was hired as head coach, we have carefully assembled the defensive personnel and scheme that is suited to compete at the highest level, and we’ve built a deep and talented roster ready for the moment. I have high expectations for our program and will do everything in my power to achieve our goals for our players.”
That philosophy of careful, deliberate building appears to be paying off in the form of a resilient support staff. Oklahoma’s defensive analysts provide critical behind-the-scenes work in breaking down film, assisting with game plans, and supporting on-field coaches.
With Brewer’s experience anchoring the group and fresh additions like Cheatwood and Williams, the Sooners believe they have the infrastructure to absorb Simpson’s exit without major disruption.
On the offensive side, recent promotions for Assistant Head Coach for Offense Kevin Wilson and assistant quarterbacks coach John Kuceyeski have reshaped that analyst room as well. Nick Basquine, Blaise Bentsen, Colt Garrett, Darrian Wilson, and Clayton Woods now form the core group heading into spring practices.
The move to Alabama represents a step forward for Simpson personally. The Oxford, Alabama, native is returning closer to home and stepping into an on-field coaching role working alongside defensive line coach Freddie Roach under coordinator Kane Wommack.
For Oklahoma, it’s a reminder of how attractive Venables’ defensive system has become to other programs.
Losing Simpson to a direct SEC competitor is undoubtedly a tough blow. Yet Venables’ track record suggests the program is built to withstand such losses. The defensive roster remains talented, and the support staff depth, bolstered by recent hires, should help maintain continuity as Oklahoma pushes for a stronger 2026 campaign and continued relevance in the loaded SEC.
Spring ball continues in Norman, and while the Sooners will miss Simpson’s contributions, the focus remains on developing the current roster and preparing for what promises to be another grueling conference slate.
If history is any guide, Venables will find a way to keep the defensive engine running smoothly.