The Oklahoma Sooners have made a major change to their coaching staff after losing to the South Carolina Gamecocks on Saturday, 42-25. Reports say the Sooners are moving on from offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and promoting new tight ends coach Jason Witten to interim play caller.
Witten spent 17 years in the NFL, most notably playing for the Dallas Cowboys. He retired following the 2020 season. He then started his coaching career, taking over Liberty Christian High School in Argyle, Tex. Witten struggled in his first season, going 2-8, but turned the team around, going 10-2, 14-0, 13-1, and 8-4 in his next four seasons. That included two state championships. During his time as head coach, he also served as the offensive play caller. His team averaged
more than 40 points per game over his five seasons. They also had numerous 50- and 60-point games, including a high of 85 in 2023.
He left to take over as tight ends coach in Norman in the offseason. His tight end room has arguably been the most improved unit on the team this year. Rocky Beers has become one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the country. But his play-calling ability will be tested. He has called plays before, but only at the high school level. It wasn't in the SEC.
Witten now has an opportunity to prove he can translate his coaching experience and offensive knowledge to the college level. The transition from high school play caller to leading an SEC offense is significant, especially with Oklahoma needing answers quickly. His familiarity with the personnel, particularly the tight end room, could help provide some continuity as the Sooners adjust to another change on the offensive staff.
The final stretch of the season will be an important evaluation period for Witten and the program. Oklahoma needs immediate improvement in execution, consistency, and production, while Witten has a chance to show what he can bring as a play caller. Whether this interim opportunity leads to a permanent promotion remains to be seen, but the next few games could significantly shape his future in Norman.
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly known as Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jaron on X @jaronspor.
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Could Jason Witten be Oklahoma's long-term answer at OC?
