Oklahoma has fired offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle after less than two seasons, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel. The Sooners, who dropped to 4-4 after a 42-25 home loss to South Carolina, rank next to last in the SEC in yards per game and touchdowns scored. Tight ends coach Jason Witten is expected to be the interim offensive coordinator and play caller. Arbuckle, 27, came to Norman after two successful seasons at Washington State, where he was the youngest primary coordinator in the Power 4. His quarterback John Mateer transferred to Oklahoma but has thrown 21 touchdowns to 15 interceptions since a thumb injury. Oklahoma coach Brent Venables has now fired his offensive coordinator twice in-season, previously dismissing Seth Littrell seven games into the 2024 season. Arbuckle said the team came out "tentative" and "undisciplined." Venables said the offense is fixable but acknowledged skepticism. Arbuckle was in the second year of a three-year contract paying him $1.5 million annually. Oklahoma plays at No. 25 Florida on Saturday.
Key entities include Oklahoma, Jason Witten, Ben Arbuckle, John Mateer, Brent Venables, South Carolina Gamecocks, Washington State Cougars, and Pete Thamel.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing