Based on the heading you provided, it seems like there might be a significant story involving the Oklahoma Sooners’ football program, specifically regarding the departure of a quarterback who was once a favorite of the team. Without specific details, we can explore several potential scenarios and provide an overview of why such a situation could occur.

### Potential Reasons for the Departure

1. **Performance Issues**: One possible reason the quarterback was asked not to return could be due to performance issues. College football is highly competitive, and coaches are often under pressure to deliver results. If a quarterback, even a favorite, underperforms consistently, it can lead to tough decisions. The coaching staff, led by Brent Venables, might have felt that the player was not meeting the expectations required to lead the team to success. In such a high-stakes environment, decisions are made not just on past performance but on potential for future success.

2. **Injuries**: Injuries could also play a significant role in such a decision. If the quarterback suffered a serious injury that impeded his ability to play at a high level, the coaching staff might have decided that it was in the best interest of both the player and the team to part ways. Injuries can be particularly tricky in college sports, where a player’s health and future career prospects need to be weighed against the team’s immediate needs.

3. **Off-the-Field Issues**: Another possible reason could be off-the-field issues. Sometimes, personal conduct, academic problems, or legal troubles can lead to a player’s departure. College programs, especially those with high visibility like Oklahoma, are often very sensitive to public image and the behavior of their players. If the quarterback was involved in an incident that the university found unacceptable, the decision might have been made to ask him not to return to maintain the program’s reputation.

4. **Team Dynamics and Culture**: The departure could also be related to team dynamics and locker room culture. Brent Venables, known for his defensive coaching prowess, might be building a particular team culture at Oklahoma. If the quarterback’s attitude or leadership style did not align with Venables’ vision for the team, it could lead to his exit. Coaches often emphasize a team-first mentality, and if any player, regardless of their status, is perceived as a disruption to that ethos, they might be encouraged to move on.

5. **Recruitment and Future Planning**: College football teams are constantly evolving, and coaches are always thinking ahead about recruitment and team development. The decision to let a quarterback go could be part of a larger strategic plan to bring in new talent. Perhaps the coaching staff has identified a new recruit or a transfer player who they believe is better suited to lead the team. This would necessitate making room on the roster and could mean parting ways with an existing player, even if he was once considered a favorite.

### The Role of Brent Venables and the Management Team

Brent Venables, as the head coach, would have been at the forefront of this decision. Venables is known for his strong defensive coaching and has a reputation for being a no-nonsense leader. His decision, alongside the management team, to ask the quarterback to leave likely stems from a desire to establish a certain standard within the program. This could be part of a broader effort to rebuild or redirect the team following his vision and philosophy. The management team’s support suggests a unified approach to this decision, indicating that it was not made lightly but rather with the long-term success of the program in mind.

### Conclusion

In conclusion, the departure of a favorite quarterback from a college football program like the Oklahoma Sooners is a multifaceted issue that could arise from various factors, including performance, injuries, off-the-field behavior, team culture, and strategic planning for the future. Brent Venables and his management team likely weighed these factors carefully before making such a significant decision, underlining the complex and often difficult nature of managing a top-tier college football program. The move underscores the fact that in college sports, no player, regardless of their status or popularity, is indispensable when it comes to the overall success and direction of the team.