Oklahoma Fires Ben Arbuckle; Jason Witten Named Interim Offensive Coordinator

Oklahoma has fired offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle midway through his second season, and former Dallas Cowboys star Jason Witten will call plays the rest of the way. Head coach Brent Venables announced the move on Monday with the Sooners sitting at 4-4 overall and 2-3 in SEC play, News 9 reported.

“We need a change,” Venables said in a statement. “My responsibility is to the whole team and what I believe is best for us right now.”

Ben Arbuckle fired: what Oklahoma said

According to News 9, which published the school’s announcement, Arbuckle “has been relieved of his duties.” Witten, the Sooners’ tight ends coach, becomes interim offensive coordinator and play-caller for the final four games of the regular season.

Venables thanked Arbuckle on his way out. “It didn’t work like we all wanted it to, but I deeply appreciate the investment, love and passion he poured into our program,” he said, calling Arbuckle a tremendous coach and leader.

Venables also took some of the responsibility himself. “My belief in the men in our locker room remains strong,” he said. “Our responsibility as coaches is to turn that belief into preparation and performance. They deserve our very best leadership. That starts with me.”

The AP framed the move around an offense that has struggled a year after Oklahoma reached the College Football Playoff.

Arbuckle at OU

Arbuckle was in his second season running Oklahoma’s offense. The 4-4 start, including a losing SEC record, put pressure on the staff with a demanding schedule still to come. CBS Sports noted that Oklahoma has three games left against AP Top 25 opponents.

Jason Witten takes over play-calling

Witten joined Oklahoma’s staff in January, and this is his first season coaching in college. News 9 reported that he has already made a mark on the tight end room. After Oklahoma’s tight ends combined for one touchdown catch in 2025, they have caught five through eight games this fall. Rocky Beers has four of those and averages 55.8 receiving yards per game, the most among SEC tight ends.

Before coming to Norman, Witten spent five seasons as head coach and play-caller at Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Texas. He led the program to its first two state championships, in 2023 and 2024. CBS Sports reported that Liberty Christian went a combined 26-1 over those two seasons and averaged 50.9 points per game.

CBS Sports also pointed out how big the jump is. Liberty Christian plays in TAPPS, the private-school league in Texas, and in Witten’s last season there the team went 1-2 against public schools. CBS added that offensive analyst Kevin Wilson, a former Oklahoma coordinator, is expected to help, according to reports.

Venables said he trusts Witten to steady the offense. “Beginning today, he will lead our offensive staff in preparing a clear and focused plan that gives our players the best opportunity to execute with confidence,” he said.

As a player, Witten spent 17 seasons in the NFL. He was an 11-time Pro Bowl pick, finished with 1,228 receptions (fourth in NFL history), and was a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026, News 9 reported. CBS Sports noted that his son, Cooper, is a five-star linebacker in the Class of 2027 who has committed to Oklahoma.

What’s next for Oklahoma

Witten’s first game calling plays is Saturday at No. 25 Florida (5-3, 3-3 SEC). News 9 listed kickoff at 6:45 p.m. CT on SEC Network.

“Our expectations remain high and our commitment to meeting them is unwavering,” Venables said.

FAQ