Sooners' defense gains FCS prowess as Brent Venables hires Northern Arizona's Aaron Cheatwood
Brent Venables is infusing some fresh Big Sky Conference talent into his defensive staff at the University of Oklahoma, signaling continued efforts to bolster one of the nation's emerging defensive powerhouses.
According to FootballScoop, Aaron Cheatwood, who served as the linebackers coach and defensive run game coordinator at Northern Arizona University, has resigned from his position to join the Sooners' staff in Norman.
Cheatwood had been with the Lumberjacks for two seasons. During his tenure at Northern Arizona, Cheatwood played a pivotal role in transforming the Lumberjacks' defense into one of the most respected units in the FCS.
His linebacker group consistently produced standout performers, earning multiple All-Big Sky Conference honors for the second consecutive year. The team's overall defensive metrics included a ranking of 15th nationally in scoring defense and 18th in total defense, while also placing in the top 40 for rush defense. These numbers reflect Cheatwood's expertise in scheming against the run and developing linebackers who could disrupt opponents at multiple levels.
His ability to coordinate the run game defense and coach the linebacker position helped NAU become a tough out in conference play and beyond.
Cheatwood's coaching journey reflects a steady climb in college football. Before arriving at Northern Arizona, he spent a season as a defensive analyst at New Mexico State University in 2022, gaining valuable experience in the FBS ranks.
Prior to that, he built his resume at the junior college level with Garden City Community College in Kansas. He initially joined as a defensive line coach in 2019 and was promoted to defensive coordinator ahead of the 2021 season.
His roots trace back even further to high school football in Arizona, where he enjoyed a successful eight-year stint at Yuma Catholic High School from 2011 to 2018. There, Cheatwood wore multiple hats, serving as offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, and eventually head coach. Cheatwood guided the program to three state championships.
This multifaceted experience at the prep level honed his ability to build cohesive units, develop talent, and instill a winning culture, skills that clearly caught the eye of Oklahoma's staff.
At Oklahoma, Cheatwood joins a Brent Venables-led defense that has shown remarkable improvement and stability in recent years. After some early challenges, including two 6-7 seasons in 2022 and 2024, the Sooners have rebounded strongly. The 2023 and 2025 campaigns both produced 10-3 records, with the 2025 season standing out as a defensive showcase.
Oklahoma ranked in the top 10 nationally in several key categories last fall: scoring defense (allowing just 15.5 points per game), total defense, rush defense, and sacks. This elite performance propelled the team to a strong SEC finish and a berth in the College Football Playoff, which ended in a first round loss to Alabama.
Venables, now entering his fifth year with an overall record of 32-20 at Oklahoma, appears to have significant momentum heading into the upcoming season. The defensive staff has seen some turnover this offseason, including the departure of corners coach Jay Valai, who left for an opportunity with the Buffalo Bills in the NFL.
In response, Venables brought in experienced talent like former Michigan defensive pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach LaMar Morgan to handle the cornerbacks moving forward.
Adding Cheatwood, in a role still to be announced, continues this trend of strategic hires. His background in run-game coordination and linebacker development aligns perfectly with Venables' emphasis on physical, aggressive defense.
Cheatwood's FCS success against spread offenses and his proven track record in player development could provide valuable insights and depth as Oklahoma aims to maintain its top-tier defensive identity.
Overall, this move underscores Venables' commitment to building a sustainable defensive foundation through targeted additions from a varitey coaching backgrounds.
For Cheatwood, it's a major step up to the Power Four conference level, where he can contribute to a program with national championship aspirations. The Sooners' defense, already a strength, stands to benefit from his expertise as they prepare for another challenging season.