Ben Arbuckle Fired as Oklahoma Offensive Coordinator, Jason Witten Steps In

Oklahoma University terminated offensive coordinator ben arbuckle on Monday and named tight ends coach Jason Witten as the interim play caller. The decision came after the Sooners fell to 4-4 following a 42-25 home defeat by South Carolina.

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Ben arbuckle arrived in Norman after two seasons at Washington State, where he was the youngest primary coordinator in the Power Five at age 27. His tenure at Oklahoma lasted less than two seasons before the dismissal.

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The move reflects Oklahoma's ongoing search for offensive stability. This is the second in‑season offensive coordinator firing by head coach Brent Venables, who also removed Seth Littrell in 2024.

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Venables cited the team's lack of readiness and discipline as reasons for the change, noting that the offense was “tentative” and “undisciplined” in the South Carolina loss. Arbuckle accepted responsibility, stating he owned the performance shortfall.

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Jason Witten, a former NFL tight end and current Oklahoma tight ends coach, will assume the play‑calling duties on an interim basis. His promotion was announced alongside Venables' statement that the program remains committed to high expectations.

Team outlook

The Sooners are scheduled to face No. 25 Florida on Saturday. While the offense has struggled, Venables expressed confidence that the unit can improve and that the team remains better than its recent showing.

Ben arbuckle was under a three‑year contract worth $1.5 million annually, entering its second year at the time of his dismissal. No further details about potential settlement or future placement have been released.

Sources: ESPN, USA Today, Soonersports.com.