How Jason Witten and a Tight End Overhaul Could Transform the Oklahoma Offense

Oklahoma has elevated tight ends coach Jason Witten to serve as the program’s offensive coordinator for the final four games of the 2026 season. The move follows the departure of Ben Arbuckle, who held the position for 21 games, as the Sooners look to revitalize an offense currently ranked 14th in the SEC in rushing.

Transition to Witten’s play-calling

The coaching change places the former Dallas Cowboys star in charge of an offense that has struggled to find consistency. SEC Network analysts Chris Doering and Benjamin Watson discussed the potential for schematic shifts ahead of the team’s upcoming matchup against No. 24 Florida. Head coach Brent Venables indicated that the remainder of the season serves as an evaluation period for the coordinator role, emphasizing a collaborative approach that includes offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh and offensive analyst Kevin Wilson. Witten, who retired from the NFL in 2021 after an illustrious 17-year career featuring 13,046 yards, 74 touchdowns, and 11 Pro Bowl selections, served as the head coach at Liberty Christian School in Texas before joining the Sooners in January. We’ve had great dialogue throughout the spring, Witten said in August regarding the staff’s collaboration.

Tight ends face new blocking demands

Oklahoma’s offense enters this transition averaging 106.7 yards per game on the ground and 3.17 yards per carry. The Sooners have recorded only three rushing touchdowns through eight games. Witten has previously stated that the team’s tight ends must contribute more effectively to the run game to create balance. We’re a part of the run game, Witten said. Can you sustain that block? Can you get into position to hold on? It’s a little bit longer when the ball gets to you. CBS Sports noted that the 2026 roster underwent an aggressive overhaul at the tight end position, with none of the players who caught a pass in 2025 returning to the team. Jaren Kanak was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the seventh round of the NFL Draft in April, while Kaden Helms transferred to Minnesota and Carson Kent transferred to Pittsburgh. The current group includes transfers such as Hayden Hansen, Rocky Beers, and Jack Van Dorselaer, who bring significant collegiate experience to the rotation.

Integration of tight ends in the passing attack

While the run game remains a primary focus for improvement, the passing attack has leaned on the tight end group as a safety net. Rocky Beers currently leads the team with four receiving touchdowns and 446 receiving yards. You look at our tight ends, and I think a lot of guys have the ability to play multiple positions, Witten said. You talk about explosive runs — if you can get one or two of those on a drive, you’re gonna score a lot of points.

Coaching collaboration for the final stretch

The coaching staff is shifting toward a collective decision-making process for the final month of the regular season. Brent Venables noted that while Witten will be calling plays, the preparation will rely on the combined experience of the offensive staff.

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