Deadspin: Oklahoma fires OC Ben Arbuckle as Jason Witten takes over play-calling
Witten takes over the offense
Witten, 44, joined Oklahoma’s staff before the season as tight ends coach. The former Dallas Cowboys star previously coached at Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Texas. Venables said the team needed a change and that Oklahoma still had meaningful opportunities ahead. He said the program’s expectations remained high and that it was committed to meeting them.
Offense struggles in SEC play
Oklahoma ranks 15th among 16 SEC teams in both scoring offense, at 22.0 points per game, and total offense, at 336.9 yards per game. The Sooners fell 42-25 at South Carolina on Saturday.
Oklahoma managed three first-half points and trailed 28-10 at halftime. The Sooners are 4-4 overall and 2-3 in conference play.
Arbuckle and the season ahead
Mateer passed for 3,139 yards, 29 touchdowns and seven interceptions with Washington State in 2024. In his first 20 games at Oklahoma, he has thrown 27 touchdowns and 18 interceptions.
Key points
- Jason Witten will serve as interim offensive coordinator and play caller.
- Oklahoma ranks 15th in the SEC in scoring and total offense.
- The Sooners lost 42-25 at South Carolina after scoring three first-half points.
- Oklahoma is seeking to avoid its first bowl absence since 1998.