Done deal: OU Sooners Football Hires Graham Harrell as Quarterbacks Coach on Four-Year, $2.5 Million Deal After Purdue Exit

OU Sooners Football Hires Graham Harrell as Quarterbacks Coach on Four-Year, $2.5 Million Deal After Purdue Exit

In a strategic move aimed at bolstering their offensive unit, the Oklahoma Sooners football program has hired Graham Harrell as their new quarterbacks coach. The former Purdue Boilermakers offensive coordinator has inked a four-year contract with the Sooners worth $2.5 million. Harrell, a former standout quarterback himself, is expected to bring his innovative offensive mind and deep quarterback experience to the table.

Harrell, who previously held the role of offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Purdue, was relieved of his duties after the 2023 season. Though Purdue struggled offensively during his tenure, Harrell remains highly regarded for his passing-oriented system and quarterback development skills, honed during stints at both USC and North Texas.

“Bringing in a coach with Graham’s expertise and experience is a huge win for our program,” said OU head coach Brent Venables in a statement.

“We’re confident that he’ll be able to elevate our quarterback room and help us compete at the highest level.”

Harrell’s coaching pedigree stems from his time under Mike Leach in the Air Raid offense at Texas Tech, where he earned a reputation as a cerebral player. He later transferred those skills to his coaching career, helping develop notable quarterbacks such as JT Daniels and Kedon Slovis during his time with the USC Trojans.

For the Sooners, this hire comes at a critical time. After a 2023 season that saw ups and downs on the offensive side of the ball, Harrell’s presence is expected to inject a renewed focus on the passing game. Oklahoma will also benefit from his proven track record of mentoring young quarterbacks, which will be crucial as the Sooners continue their transition into the SEC in the coming seasons.

Harrell’s four-year deal includes a reported salary of $2.5 million, reflecting the program’s investment in solidifying its coaching staff. His ability to revamp the quarterback room and potentially transform the Sooners’ offensive identity will be closely watched as Oklahoma eyes a return to national prominence.

Purdue, on the other hand, will now look to fill the offensive coordinator vacancy left by Harrell’s departure. Despite his exit from the Boilermakers, Harrell’s new opportunity with Oklahoma could be the fresh start needed to rejuvenate his coaching career.