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Most coaches wait until the season is over to admit a plan has failed. Brent Venables did not wait. On Monday, the Oklahoma head coach removed Ben Arbuckle as offensive coordinator. The decision came after the Sooners offense scored only three points through three quarters of a loss to South Carolina. The team managed just 118 total yards in that stretch. That number is the kind of stat that forces a change.
Venables spoke plainly about the move in a statement released Monday. He thanked Arbuckle for his work but made it clear the results were not enough. The Sooners now face a critical stretch with four games left in the regular season plus a potential bowl game.
Jason Witten Takes the Reins
The team turned to a familiar face to fix the broken offense. Tight ends coach Jason Witten will serve as the new interim offensive coordinator and play-caller. A major transition occurs for Witten, now in his initial season coaching at the collegiate level. He spent the last five years as a high school head coach in Texas, where he won back-to-back state championships in 2023 and 2024. His previous success in the NFL as an 11-time Pro Bowler with the Dallas Cowboys gives him a unique perspective on the game.
In January of this year, Witten was named tight ends coach for the Oklahoma staff, according to Yahoo Sports. He now faces a steep challenge to ignite a stagnant unit. The Sooners sit at No. 111 in total offense across the entire FBS through eight games. They are averaging just 336.9 yards per game. Their scoring numbers are only slightly better, sitting at No. 108 nationally with 22 points per game. These poor rankings have derailed a season that looked promising at the start.
The Stakes for the Final Games
Oklahoma possesses a 4-4 overall record and ranks 11th in the SEC via a 2-3 conference mark. The team needs a spark to finish the year strong. Venables believes the new leadership can provide that boost. He stated that the players still have “meaningful opportunities ahead” and a duty to maximize them. The coach emphasized that expectations remain high and the commitment to meeting them is unwavering. Witten must lead the staff in preparing a clear plan that helps players execute with confidence.
The pressure is on to turn things around quickly. Venables noted that his belief in the men in the locker room remains strong. He added that coaches have a responsibility to turn that belief into actual performance. The team deserves the best leadership possible, and Venables said that starts with him. If Witten can create a spark in the final four games, he might keep the permanent job.
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/brent-venables-fires-oklahoma-offensive-025815095.html
