Oklahoma fires Ben Arbuckle; Jason Witten reportedly to lead offense
Reports say the former Dallas Cowboys tight end will handle play-calling for the final four games, with Kevin Wilson also involved.
Oklahoma has dismissed offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, ESPN's Pete Thamel reported on November 2, 2026, citing sources. Sooners writer Matt Blackwell separately reported that Jason Witten would run the offense for the remainder of the season.
The Sooners were 4-4 after nine weeks, placing among the SEC's bottom five teams in almost every offensive category. Arbuckle's departure followed a loss to South Carolina that had put his position under scrutiny.
Witten, a former Dallas Cowboys tight end, joined Oklahoma as tight ends coach before the current season. Blackwell reported that he would become offensive coordinator and take responsibility for calling plays over the final four games. Kevin Wilson would also be involved, according to Blackwell.
Arbuckle joined Oklahoma at the close of the 2024 season, leaving him with a tenure shorter than two seasons. Three of the Sooners' four remaining games are against ranked opponents.
