Oklahoma Parts Ways With Offensive Coordinator Ben Arbuckle

Oklahoma has decided to part ways with offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle following a difficult start to the season, according to reports from ESPN and CBS Sports on Monday. The move comes just two days after the Sooners suffered a 42-25 home defeat against South Carolina, dropping their record to 4-4 overall and 2-3 in Southeastern Conference play.

The Sooners struggled significantly on offense during Saturday's game, managing only 118 yards of total offense through the first three quarters before a fourth-quarter surge. Frustration boiled over at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, where fans chanted "Fire Arbuckle" during the first half.

Arbuckle was in his second season with Oklahoma after arriving ahead of the 2025 campaign alongside quarterback John Mateer from Washington State. While the pair enjoyed tremendous success with the Cougars, where Washington State averaged 36.6 points per game in 2024, their partnership has struggled to find traction within the rigors of the SEC.

Over the past two seasons, Oklahoma averaged just 4.95 yards per play against conference opponents under Arbuckle, ranking 15th out of 16 teams in that span. This season, the Sooners' offense dropped outside the top 100 nationally in several key statistical categories, including points per play and rushing yards per game, while averaging just 22 points per contest.

Head coach Brent Venables labeled the team's performance against South Carolina as embarrassing in every way. "It’s just embarrassing. It’s embarrassing in every way," Venables said after the game, adding that the team lacked an offensive rhythm and failed to match the physicality of the Gamecocks.

Despite guiding Oklahoma to a 10-3 record and a College Football Playoff berth last year with an offense averaging 26.2 points per game, the unit's regression this season prompted swift action. Venables, who received a contract extension prior to the 2026 campaign, faced mounting pressure as the team's playoff aspirations vanished with their fourth loss of the year.

When asked after Saturday's defeat about his future and potential offensive staff changes, Venables declined to discuss specifics mid-press conference. However, addressing his position after the game, Arbuckle expressed his deep commitment to the program. "I believe in what this place is. I believe in these players," Arbuckle said. "I love these players. I love this university."

The Sooners are scheduled to hit the road to face Florida in Week 10 as they look to secure the remaining victories necessary to achieve bowl eligibility amidst a difficult closing stretch against multiple ranked opponents.