The Oklahoma Sooners made a coaching change on Monday, removing offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and promoting tight ends coach Jason Witten to interim offensive coordinator. The moves come after Arbuckle's offense struggled once again in the Sooners' 42-25 loss to South Carolina.
In the loss, the Sooners had just 118 yards of total offense through three quarters and just three points. Arbuckle, who had a strong tenure at Washington State, could never establish an identity at Oklahoma or find consistent balance in the offense.
Now the Sooners turn to Witten, who is in his first year coaching at the collegiate level but had success as a high school head coach at Liberty Christian. It was time for a new voice, and Witten's experience as a player
and as a high school coach will be counted on to bring more consistency and a different attitude to the Sooners offense.
The University of Oklahoma officially announced the changes late Monday afternoon, and here's what head coach Brent Venables had to say about the changes.
STATEMENT FROM OU HEAD FOOTBALL COACH BRENT VENABLES:
"I have decided to make a change at offensive coordinator. My responsibility is to the whole team and what I believe is best for us right now. We need a change."I believe we still have meaningful opportunities ahead and a responsibility to maximize them. Our expectations remain high, and our commitment to meeting them is unwavering."I want to thank Ben and all he contributed to us over the last two years. He is a fantastic coach, leader and teammate, and a great man. It didn't work like we all wanted it to, but I deeply appreciate the investment, love and passion he poured into our program. We wish his family nothing but the best."Coach Witten will serve as offensive coordinator and play-caller for the remainder of the season. 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."My belief in the men in our locker room remains strong. Our responsibility as coaches is to turn that belief into preparation and performance. They deserve our very best leadership. That starts with me."
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: "We need a change': Brent Venables on offensive coordinator changes
