Oklahoma Fires OC Ben Arbuckle, Names Jason Witten Interim
Oklahoma fired offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle on Monday following a string of offensive struggles that dropped the Sooners to second-to-last in the Southeastern Conference in total offense.
Brett Venables Replaces Arbuckle With Jason Witten
Head coach Brett Venables appointed tight ends coach Jason Witten as the interim offensive coordinator and play-caller. Witten enters his first year on the Sooners’ staff after spending five years as a high school head coach at Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Texas, following a standout career as a Dallas Cowboys All-Pro tight end.
Venables cited the team’s overarching needs in his statement confirming the move. “I have decided to make a change at offensive coordinator. My responsibility is to the whole team and what I believe is best for us right now,” Venables said.
“We need a change,” he added.
Oklahoma Offense Ranks 111th in Total Yards
The Sooners hold a 4-4 record overall and a 2-3 mark in conference play following a 42-25 loss to South Carolina on Saturday, where the offense managed only three points in the first half. Oklahoma ranks No. 111 among FBS teams in total offense at 336.9 yards per game and averages 22 points per contest.
The team scored just 10 points against Michigan and 13 points against both Georgia and Kentucky. Arbuckle, who is 31 years old, arrived in December 2024 after Seth Littrell was fired during that season. Under Arbuckle at Washington State in 2024, the Cougars averaged 36.6 points and 442.8 yards per game.
Quarterback John Mateer Seeks Form After Transfer
Quarterback John Mateer followed Arbuckle from Washington State to Norman ahead of the 2025 season. During his sophomore year with the Cougars, Mateer threw for 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns while rushing for 851 yards and 15 scores.
Here’s our story on Oklahoma’s change from OC Ben Arbuckle to Dallas Cowboys great Jason Witten, who has been the Sooners TE coach and is now taking over as the OC: https://t.co/iLkycAtrl3
A hand injury limited Mateer during the 2025 campaign, and he has thrown 13 touchdowns against seven interceptions this season, totaling 1,835 passing yards to rank 39th among FBS quarterbacks.
Remaining Schedule Tests Interim Staff
Whomever assumes the offensive coordinator role permanently will mark the fifth coach to hold the position during Venables’ tenure, following Jeff Lebby, Joe Jon Finley, Littrell, and Arbuckle. The Sooners face a closing stretch against Florida, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and Missouri.
“I believe we still have meaningful opportunities ahead and a responsibility to maximize them,” Venables said. “Our expectations remain high and our commitment to meeting them is unwavering.”