Oklahoma fires offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle

Oklahoma has fired offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle after less than two seasons, with tight ends coach Jason Witten expected to be the interim offensive coordinator and play caller, as the program looks to salvage a difficult campaign following a 42-25 home loss to South Carolina.

The Firing and the Immediate Fallout in Norman

The decision arrived on Monday, as reported by ESPN, bringing an abrupt end to Arbuckle’s tenure in Norman. The Sooners dropped to 4-4 overall after Saturday’s defeat, a performance that left the offense ranking next to last in the SEC in yards per game and touchdowns scored.

Arbuckle was in the second year of a three-year contract paying him $1.5 million annually. Following the South Carolina loss, a frustrated Arbuckle admitted to reporters that his team looked “tentative” and “undisciplined.” “Didn’t look like we were ready to play,” Arbuckle said, adding, “And I own that 100%.”

For head coach Brent Venables, the move marks the second time he has fired his offensive coordinator in-season. Venables previously dismissed Seth Littrell seven games into the 2024 season—notably, also following a matchup against South Carolina.

Stepping In: Jason Witten Takes the Helm

With Arbuckle out, tight ends coach Jason Witten is expected to step in as the interim offensive coordinator and play caller. Witten is in his first year as a college assistant coach and has never called plays at this level. He spent five years in Argyle, TX, running the offense and serving as head coach at Liberty Christian School, where he guided the Warriors to state titles in 2023 and ’24.

Given his background as an offensive coordinator, Kevin Wilson, the assistant head coach for offense, might also be considered for the interim play-calling role.

A Struggle for Consistency on the Field

Prior to his Oklahoma tenure, Arbuckle completed two productive seasons at Washington State, where he held the title of the Power 4’s youngest primary coordinator at the age of 27. His quarterback with the Cougars, John Mateer, transferred to Oklahoma the same month Arbuckle was hired.

Early last season, Mateer generated significant attention as a Heisman Trophy hopeful, but a thumb injury later sidelined him and continued to hamper his efficiency. Since the injury, he has thrown 21 touchdowns to 15 interceptions.

“We couldn’t get any offensive rhythm in the first half,” Venables said after Saturday’s loss. “We’re not built to overcome some of the ineptness as a football team that we displayed out there tonight.”

The Sooners play at No. 25 Florida on Saturday.

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