Oklahoma offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle was fired on Monday, CBS Sports reported, after the Sooners lost 42-25 to South Carolina. CBS Sports reported that Oklahoma is 4-4 and ranks 15th in the SEC in both scoring offense and total offense.
Matt Zenitz reported for CBS Sports that the decision came during Arbuckle’s second season with Oklahoma. 247Sports also reported the firing after the Sooners produced three first-half offensive points against South Carolina.
Key Takeaways
- CBS Sports and 247Sports reported that Oklahoma is firing offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle after the South Carolina loss.
- 247Sports reported that the Sooners average 22 points per game and rank 108th nationally in scoring offense.
- CBS Sports reported that Oklahoma’s remaining schedule includes games against Ole Miss, Missouri and Florida.
Why the Ben Arbuckle firing follows Oklahoma’s offensive struggles
247Sports reported that Oklahoma produced 118 total yards and 2.9 yards per play through three quarters against South Carolina. The outlet also reported that the Sooners scored three offensive points in the first half.
CBS Sports reported that Oklahoma is moving toward its sixth new play-calling staff in six years. The outlet reported that Seth Littrell was fired during the 2024 season, adding another change to the program’s recent offensive timeline.
Arbuckle joined Oklahoma in 2024 from Washington State, CBS Sports reported. John Mateer followed Arbuckle from Washington State to Oklahoma, connecting the coordinator change to the quarterback position as the Sooners adjust their offensive direction.
Oklahoma offense numbers behind the change
247Sports reported that Oklahoma averages 22 points per game, while the offense averages 19.4 points per game after three non-offensive touchdowns are removed. The Sooners rank 108th nationally and 15th in the SEC in scoring offense, according to 247Sports.
| Category | Oklahoma figure | National or conference standing |
|---|---|---|
| Scoring offense | 22 points per game | 108th nationally, 15th in the SEC |
| Offensive scoring after non-offensive touchdowns are removed | 19.4 points per game | Reported by 247Sports |
| Total offense | Not specified in the supplied figures | 15th in the SEC |
| Rushing offense | 106.8 yards per game | 128th nationally |
| Rushing efficiency | 3.2 yards per carry | 131st nationally |
| Rushing touchdowns | Three | Fewest in the nation |
| Expected points added per play | Through eight games | 132nd among 138 FBS teams |
247Sports reported that Oklahoma averages 106.8 rushing yards per game and 3.2 yards per carry, ranking 128th and 131st nationally, respectively. CBS Sports reported that the Sooners’ three rushing touchdowns are the fewest in the nation.
247Sports also placed Oklahoma 132nd among 138 FBS teams in expected points added per play through eight games. The South Carolina performance added a short-term measure of the problem, with 118 yards and 2.9 yards per play through three quarters, according to 247Sports.
Brent Venables faces another offensive reset
CBS Sports reported that Arbuckle’s change affects the offense overseen by head coach Brent Venables. The outlet also reported that Mateer has thrown 13 touchdown passes and seven interceptions this season while averaging 1.7 yards per carry.
The connection between Arbuckle and Mateer began at Washington State, CBS Sports reported, before both moved to Oklahoma in 2024. That relationship now sits alongside the program’s need to determine its next approach on offense.
Oklahoma’s reported coordinator change follows an offense ranked near the bottom of the national rushing and expected-points-added categories. CBS Sports and 247Sports tied the move to the South Carolina loss and the Sooners’ three first-half offensive points.
Oklahoma’s next three games
CBS Sports reported that Oklahoma’s next three scheduled opponents are Ole Miss, Missouri and Florida. Those games will be the Sooners’ remaining opportunities to address the offensive production figures reported by CBS Sports and 247Sports while Oklahoma sits at 4-4.
