Venables withdraws from consideration for Missouri job

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) _ Oklahoma assistant football coach Brent Venables has taken himself out of the search for a new head coach at Missouri. <br><br>Oklahoma's co-defensive coordinator withdrew his

Saturday, November 25th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) _ Oklahoma assistant football coach Brent Venables has taken himself out of the search for a new head coach at Missouri.

Oklahoma's co-defensive coordinator withdrew his name from consideration over a conflict involving when he would interview for the position.

Missouri wanted to talk to him before the Big 12 Championship game against Kansas State Dec. 3. Venables wanted to put off any interview until after that game.

``Sure it was hard,'' Venables said of turning down the interview. ``Obviously, it was a great deal to think about. But we've got a lot going on here and I'm loyal to the University of Oklahoma.

''(Missouri) is a great opportunity, a fantastic program, with great leadership by (athletic director) Mike Alden. But I've got a super thing going here. I really believe that. My primary focus right now is to try to help us win a national championship.''

Alden, who went back on the road Friday in search of a coach, did not return phone calls.

The Kansas City Star reported in its Saturday edition that a source close to the Oklahoma program indicated Venables was very interested in the Missouri job. Venables said it didn't appear that Missouri would wait for him, but he understood why the Tigers were being aggressive in finding a coach.

``We tried to come to an agreement,'' Venables said. ``Again, their schedule and my time schedule don't seem to match up. I've got a job here at the University of Oklahoma. I've got loyalty to my players.''

Venables, a former Kansas State player and assistant, said he was unsure if he would reconsider his withdrawal if Missouri decided to wait for him to be available to interview.

``That's something I'd have to address if the situation came up,'' Venables said.

Other coaches linked to the position are Florida State offensive coordinator Mark Richt and Oklahoma co-defensive coordinator Mike Stoops.