Schmidt was Oklahoma’s longtime strength and conditioning coach during the Stoops era. He led OU’s strength and conditioning program from 1999-2017 before his recent four-year stint at Texas A&M as the Aggies’ director of athletic performance.
Schmidt has a decorated track record. Schmidt has trained seven Heisman Trophy winners: Kyler Murray, Baker Mayfield, Sam Bradford and Jason White at Oklahoma; Danny Wuerffel at Florida; Barry Sanders at Oklahoma State; and Tim Brown at Notre Dame.
Schmidt has also worked with 30 NFL Draft first-round selections and 66 first-team All-Americans. In addition, teams he’s trained have played in six national championship games and won three national championships (Oklahoma in 2000, Florida in 1996 and Notre Dame in 1988).
“That’s a critical hire on so many levels. Jerry’s values, expectations and standards align with mine and ours as a program. He’s a detail guy, is super consistent and tough, but he’s reasonable. He’s the same guy whether you’re winning by 40 or down by 14. I think it’s important from a leadership standpoint that we have someone who has clear vision about what all of that looks like. So while his experience is tremendous, he’s also an effective communicator and excellent motivator. He’s going to bring out the absolute best in our guys. He’ll stretch them and squeeze them in ways maybe they haven’t been before, but it’s going to benefit them and create the transferable skills both on the field and off. He’s going to set them up for success for the rest of their lives,” Venables said of Schmidt.
Schmidt said the draw to return to a place as “special” as Oklahoma is why he’s back with the Sooners.
“What immediately popped in my mind when I got the call from Brent is just how special OU is. I enjoyed my time (at Texas A&M) and in the SEC, but it wasn’t a hard decision for me to come back. I got the same feeling when Brent called me that I got when Bob (Stoops) called me to join him in Norman when he got hired. Because Brent’s like Bob. Brent’s reputation around the country is about toughness, and that’s what OU’s about – toughness, working hard.
“That’s what this whole state’s about. I just want to come back and be a part of it. Like I said, this place is very special. It’s about the great players who’ve been here, are here and are coming here, and their pursuit of championships. And I can feel it with the energetic staff he’s putting together and the commitment to doing things the right way. I’m excited OU’s going to the SEC because this program can definitely compete at that level. I’m looking forward to that challenge,” Schmidt said.
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