Oklahoma has fired offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle less than two seasons into his tenure, sources told ESPN’s Pete Thamel on Monday, November 2, 2026. The move came two days after a 42-25 loss to South Carolina that dropped the Sooners to 4-4 on the season.
Oklahoma Fires Ben Arbuckle After South Carolina Loss
Arbuckle arrived in Norman from Washington State alongside quarterback John Mateer and helped lead Oklahoma to the College Football Playoff last year. But the offense never found its rhythm this season, ranking last in the SEC at 321.3 yards per game and second-to-last at 22 points per game. Mateer has thrown seven interceptions through eight games, including three in Saturday’s loss.
This is the second offensive coordinator head coach Brent Venables has fired — he let go of Seth Littrell midseason in 2024.
Jason Witten Takes Over as Oklahoma’s Play-Caller
Tight ends coach Jason Witten is expected to call plays and serve as interim offensive coordinator for the rest of the season, per multiple reports. The Dallas Cowboys legend joined Oklahoma’s staff in January and is in his first year as a college assistant.
Witten does have play-calling experience, though: he was head coach and offensive play caller for five seasons at Liberty Christian School in Texas, winning consecutive state championships in 2023 and 2024. Offensive analyst Kevin Wilson could also assist with the play-calling duties. If Witten can spark the offense over the final four games, the job could become his permanently.
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Source: ESPN — read the full story there.
