Could Oklahoma Sooners steal an elite CFP-bound offensive coordinator to replace Seth Littrell?
The search for the Oklahoma Sooners' next offensive coordinator has heated up during their bye week, leading to plenty of speculation about the team's future play-caller. One interesting report that broke on Monday morning came from On3's Pete Nakos, commenting on the site's SoonerScoop page. Nakos, a well-regarded insider, listed several candidates, with one interesting […]
The search for the Oklahoma Sooners' next offensive coordinator has heated up during their bye week, leading to plenty of speculation about the team's future play-caller.
One interesting report that broke on Monday morning came from On3's Pete Nakos, commenting on the site's SoonerScoop page. Nakos, a well-regarded insider, listed several candidates, with one interesting note at the end.
"The expectation is the Oklahoma search will significantly ramp up this week as the season begins to wind down. A source told On3 that Brent Venables is eyeing a veteran playcaller. As we reported last week, Oklahoma has brought on a search firm. Venables will need an offensive coordinator in place by early December when the transfer portal opens up. Tulane's Joe Craddock, Washington State's Ben Arbuckle, and Georgia Tech's Buster Faulkner have all emerged as names to watch. Indiana offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan will be one of the hottest names on the offensive coordinator market, too. Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson is also interested."
I've already broken down Joe Craddock, Ben Arbuckle, and Mike Shanahan for A to Z Sports, and a report on Buster Faulkner will be out soon.
However, it's that last name that stands out. "Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson is also interested." Dawson orchestrated the best offense in college football this season, and quarterback Cam Ward is playing like a Heisman contender under him.
Dawson's offense has pulled that team into the college football playoff hunt, and they feel close to a lock to make it, barring a complete collapse at the end of the season. They are the #1 offense in EPA/Play by a comfortable margin and average 45 points a game, easily the top mark in the country.
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The Oklahoma Sooners have fired offensive coordinator Seth Littrell after a dismal 2024 season. The search for a new play-caller on offense is firmly underway, and we know what Sooners’ head coach Brent Venables wants his next offense to look like. This article will be part of a series breaking down the most-linked coaches to […]
This begs the question: Why would Dawson be interested in the Oklahoma job if things are going so well at Miami? Speaking to sources today, many believe Dawson is seeking a pay raise. While the terms of his contract are unknown, Dawson is considered outside the country's top highest-paid OCs.
Oklahoma is preparing plenty of resources to turn their offense around, and I wouldn't rule them out making a splash hire like this with the monetary figures I've heard. However, this could also be a play from Dawson and his agent to get that raise from Miami instead of the Sooners.
The bigger issue here, for Oklahoma, is the timing. If Miami does indeed make the playoffs, then there's no way Dawson will be in place for them by the time the transfer portal and the early signing period kick off. This would also apply to Indiana's Mike Shanahan.
Regardless, Nakos mentioning Dawson's name speaks to the prestige of the Oklahoma Sooners, a prestige that was only enhanced by their move to the SEC. This will be an attractive job opening for many coaches. If Oklahoma hires the right one, expect a quick turnaround.
