Oklahoma names Jason Witten new offensive play caller after Ben Arbuckle firing

Oklahoma named Jason Witten the new offensive play caller after the firing of Ben Arbuckle on Monday, per SoonerScoop. The Sooners are in the midst of change with a disappointing 2026 season nearing the end. Witten played 17 NFL seasons, primarily for the Dallas Cowboys, from 2003-20, finishing his career with Las Vegas Raiders. He was hired as Oklahoma’s tight ends coach ahead of the 2026 season. $19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage Prior to Oklahoma, Witten was the head coach of Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Texas following the 2020 season. He led the Warriors to consecutive Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools state championships in 2023 and ’24. Over his 17-year NFL career, Witten compiled 1,228 receptions for 13,046 yards and 74 touchdowns. A two-time first-team All-Pro and 11-time Pro Bowler, he ranks fourth all-time in NFL receptions and 22nd in yards among all receivers (second among tight ends in both categories). The Sooners fell to South Carolina 42-25 on Saturday. Oklahoma‘s offense ranks last in the SEC in yards per game (321.25) and second-to-last in points per game (22). Arbuckle was only in his second season in Norman. Arbuckle arrived at Oklahoma from Washington State with quarterback John Mateer. The duo helped Oklahoma reach the College Football Playoff in their first season together with the Sooners. But in eight games this season, Mateer has thrown four interceptions and fumbled twice. He turned the ball over three times in Saturday’s loss. In three games against FBS competition, the Sooners are averaging 12.3 points per game. Mateer’s struggles have been coupled with a running game averaging just 2.93 yards per carry. “Nobody likes turning the ball over three times, four times as an offense,” Arbuckle said earlier this sea. “Nobody likes turning it over. It always just comes back down to the basics and execution. Again, we have to continue coaching it. I have to continue being better. I have to continue being better for him, but at the same time, he understands his play. He understands what it’s supposed to look like and what it’s not supposed to look like. As long as we’re honest and truthful and attack that, his confidence will continue to go up.” This is the second offensive coordinator that Brent Venables has fired. The Oklahoma head coach fired Seth Littrell midseason in 2024. The Sooners still have four games remaining this season, starting with a trip to Gainesville, Florida, on Saturday. Pete Nakos contributed to this report