Oklahoma Fires Offensive Coordinator Arbuckle After South Carolina Loss, Witten Takes Over
Oklahoma head football coach Brent Venables announced on November 2 in Norman, Cleveland County, Oklahoma, that second-year offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle has been fired, with tight ends coach Jason Witten taking over as offensive coordinator and play-caller for the rest of the season. The university later confirmed the move in a release.
The change came after Oklahoma's 42-25 home loss to South Carolina on October 31. Arbuckle reached agreement with Oklahoma in December 2024 after coaching at Washington State. Through October, the Sooners averaged just 22 points per game, ranking No. 108 nationally in scoring and No. 111 in total offense. Ranked No. 9 to start the season, Oklahoma had two losses before the end of September and dropped two more home games last month, to Kentucky and South Carolina; in its last 12 games against Power Four conference opponents it has scored more than 25 points only once.
In a statement, Venables called Arbuckle a fantastic coach, leader and teammate, said things did not work out as everyone wanted, and thanked him for his two years of investment in the program. Witten will lead the offensive staff in preparing a clear and focused plan that gives players the best opportunity to execute with confidence, Venables said. Kevin Wilson, already on staff as assistant head coach for the offense, is also likely to assume a lead role in directing the offense over the season's final month.
(Source: USA Today)
Source: USA Today
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Photo: 图：俄克拉何马大学盖洛德家族纪念体育场。Michael Barera 摄，CC BY-SA 4.0，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / Photo: Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium at the University of Oklahoma. By Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
