Oklahoma Sooners expand their strength and conditioning staff, as Jerry Schmidt moves to new role
In a strategic move to build on their recent success, the University of Oklahoma football program is set to officially appoint Matt Manninger as the new Associate Director of Performance. This hire, recommended by university president Joseph Harroz Jr., comes amid a broader shakeup in the Sooners' strength and conditioning department and will be discussed at the upcoming OU Board of Regents meeting.
As the program transitions deeper into the Southeastern Conference (SEC) era, bolstering the physical preparation of its athletes is paramount, and Manninger's addition signals a commitment to elite performance under head coach Brent Venables.
The changes in OU's strength staff stem from a well-orchestrated transition. Longtime Director of Sports Enhancement and Strength and Conditioning Jerry Schmidt, a fixture in Norman for years, is shifting to a new role as Elite Performance Liaison or professional consultant. This move allows Schmidt to focus on advisory capacities while reducing his salary from $285,000 to $145,000 annually.
Stepping into Schmidt's shoes is James Dobson, promoted to Director of Sports Performance and Conditioning for Football/Executive Strength and Conditioning Trainer. Dobson, who has been Schmidt's associate, brings continuity and expertise to the leadership position. The staff will also retain Assistant Directors of Sports Performance Scott Kolok, Josue Matias, and Reggie McGrew, creating a robust team under Dobson's guidance.
Matt Manninger joins this revamped unit with an impressive resume tailored for high-level college football. Since 2021, he has served as an assistant strength and conditioning coach at the University of Illinois, where he contributed to the Illini's athletic development during a period of program rebuilding.
Prior to that, Manninger spent six years (2015-2020) at Vanderbilt University, working directly under Dobson. This prior collaboration ensures a seamless integration, as the two share a philosophy on training methodologies that emphasize explosive power, injury prevention, and mental toughness—key elements for competing in the grueling SEC schedule.
Manninger's role at OU is newly created position, with an initial salary of $200,000, reflecting the program's investment in top-tier support staff.
The timing of Manninger's hire is no coincidence. He arrives in Norman following the path of new athletic director Roger Denny, who was formally introduced last Wednesday and assumes his role on February 15th. Denny, previously the deputy athletic director at Illinois, overlapped with Manninger there, suggesting a trusted professional network influencing these decisions.
This connection underscores a broader trend in college athletics: athletic directors often bring familiar faces to stabilize and elevate programs. For OU, which finished the 2025 season with a 10-3 record and hosted a College Football Playoff game, maintaining physical dominance is crucial.
The Sooners' success under Venables has been built on a foundation of tough, resilient play, and the strength staff plays a pivotal role in that.In college football, the strength and conditioning program is often the unsung hero behind on-field triumphs. It's where athletes transform their bodies to withstand the rigors of a 12-game season plus playoffs.
OU's history with Schmidt, known for his intense, old-school regimens, has produced numerous NFL talents. Now, with Dobson at the helm and Manninger adding fresh perspectives from the Big Ten and SEC environments, the Sooners aim to blend tradition with innovation.
Manninger's experience at Illinois, where he helped develop players amid a competitive conference, could bring new techniques in speed training and recovery protocols, potentially giving OU an edge in recruiting and performance.
This hire also coincides with other coaching adjustments, including the appointment of Jason Witten as tight ends coach after the departure of Joe Jon Finley. Witten, a future Hall of Famer, brings star power to the offensive side, while Manninger's addition fortifies the backend operations.
Together, these moves indicate Venables' proactive approach to staff evolution, especially after a season that saw OU exceed expectations in their second year in the SEC.
As Manninger has reportedly been on campus for the past week, interviews for an additional assistant position are ongoing, suggesting the staff expansion isn't complete yet.
Looking ahead, this fortified strength team positions OU for sustained success. In an era where physicality defines SEC champions, Manninger's hire isn't just a personnel change—it's a statement of intent.
As the Board of Regents convenes, expect official approval to solidify these shifts, paving the way for spring practices and beyond. For Sooner Nation, the future looks stronger than ever.