Venables Names Jason Witten to Lead Oklahoma Offense

Oklahoma coach Brent Venables said on November 2 that dismissing offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle was a difficult decision, but the unit’s performance had not met expectations. Venables discussed the change on his Monday night coaches show after the Sooners’ 42-25 defeat by South Carolina.

Oklahoma’s offense produced 118 yards in total during the opening three quarters of its matchup with the Gamecocks. After eight games, the Sooners are 4-4 overall and 2-3 in Southeastern Conference play. The offense ranks 108th in scoring and 111th in total yards, with its rushing offense 128th and passing offense 66th.

Venables appointed first-year tight ends coach Jason Witten to lead the offense for the rest of the season. He said Witten has strong relationships with players and staff, and that trust would be important in making the change work. Kevin Wilson was another possible option, Venables said, but he judged Witten best suited to the role.

Venables said the transition would involve collaboration and use the system already in place. He described the decision as a response to the overall results rather than a judgment of Arbuckle’s character or effort, praising the former coordinator’s leadership and contribution to the team’s culture.

The Sooners are seeking improvement in the final month of the season. Their next game is against Florida, listed for 6:45 p.m. on the SEC Network.