Oklahoma Fires Offensive Coordinator After Loss to South Carolina
Oklahoma fired offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle on November 2, two days after the Sooners lost 42-25 at home to South Carolina. The 4-4 team has four games left to reach bowl eligibility.
Oklahoma dismissed offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle on November 2, following a 42-25 home defeat by South Carolina on October 31. The loss dropped the Sooners to 4-4 overall and 2-3 in SEC play, and the offense’s struggles have extended beyond the one game: Oklahoma ranks 111th nationally in total offense.
The gap between the teams was pronounced early. Oklahoma gained 71 yards in the first half, while South Carolina had 307 and led 28-10 at halftime. Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers completed 19 of 24 passes for 301 yards and three touchdowns, and added 96 rushing yards and two scores. Oklahoma scored 15 points in the fourth quarter, but could not make up the deficit.
Arbuckle joined Oklahoma in December 2024 after coaching at Washington State, where he served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for two seasons. His previous work included developing quarterbacks Bailey Zappe at Western Kentucky and Cam Ward at Washington State. Oklahoma coach Brent Venables hired him with hopes of bringing that offensive success to the Sooners.
Oklahoma has four regular-season games remaining, starting with a visit to Florida, ranked 25th, on November 7. The Sooners then welcome 12th-ranked Ole Miss and Texas A&M, followed by a trip to No. 19 Missouri. They need at least two wins in those games to secure bowl eligibility. The loss has also intensified questions about Venables’ longer-term ability to get the program back on track.