Oklahoma Sooners HC Brent Venables just made a decision that could have a huge impact on recruiting and the future of the program
The Oklahoma Sooners have fired offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle after the loss to South Carolina.
The Oklahoma Sooners just lost to the South Carolina Gamecocks in an embarrassing way. So, Brent Venables made a decision he had to make. According to multiple reports, the Sooners are parting ways with offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle.
In a way, this was inevitable. The offense has been poor under Arbuckle for two seasons. And the players he’s brought in haven’t been good. The offensive line has not been good. Outside of a few, the skill players haven’t been good. The run game has been terrible. And his quarterback, John Mateer, has been awful.
Last week, after the loss, Ben Arbuckle was asked about his job. He knew that he was on a short leash. He knew his seat was hot. But he also knew what it meant to coach the Sooners.
“The amazing thing about this place, this job, and this league that you play in is that you have to bring your best,” Arbuckle said days ago. “You have to. Every single week, there’s no sugarcoating it, there ain’t no hiding from it. You gotta be your best, you gotta deliver your best, you gotta bring your best.
“That’s in game-plan, that’s in coaching, that’s in mentoring young men. You have to be your best in everything. That’s what it demands; that’s what it entails. And that’s ultimately what leads to success. And so in a year and a half, that’s the biggest thing [I’ve learned]: bring your best. Do it every single day.”
Who will call plays for the Sooners now?
There’s been no news on who the new offensive play caller is. On Tuesday during Brent Venables’ press conference, he’ll address that. You can assume Kevin Wilson may play a hand in that. He’s got head-coaching experience, and he’s a brilliant mind.
Regardless. This could have a huge effect on recruiting. The Sooners have a lot of offensive recruits who have committed to the program over the last two years. Most of those guys committed for one big reason: Arbuckle. And who’s to say Bowe Bentley stays after this season? Who’s to say 2027 QB Jameson Roberts stays committed? A lot of questions will be asked now about the Sooners.
