Clemson may strike first

Internet rumors are rampant that Clemson is interested in Oklahoma's assistant coaches, especially defensive coordinator Brent Venables, to replace Tommy Bowden.

There have been photos published of Clemson athletic director Terry Don Phillips visiting Oklahoma this week, and one sign pointing to Venables is he missed an interview session.

So who is Brent Venables?

He has been on the OU staff since 1999, most recently as the Associate Head Coach and Co-Defensive Coordinator since 2004. He was considered a finalist for the Arkansas job last year, as well as a finalist for the 2006 Broyles Award.

He played at Kansas State under coach Bill Snyder. He coached on Snyder's staff at K-State from 1993-98.