Completed Event: Football versus New Mexico on September 19, 2026 , Win , 14, to, 6
Final
Football
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vs New Mexico
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University of Oklahoma Athletics
November 02, 2026 | Football
NORMAN — University of Oklahoma head football coach Brent Venables announced Monday that offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle has been relieved of his duties and that tight ends coach Jason Witten will take over the role on an interim basis.
Hired by Oklahoma in January, Witten has transformed the Sooners' tight ends room this season. After OU's tight ends recorded one receiving touchdown during the 2025 campaign, this year's group has already combined for five touchdowns through eight games (four by Rocky Beers and one by Hayden Hansen). Beers ranks first in the SEC and fifth nationally among tight ends with his 55.8 receiving yards per game. He also leads SEC tight ends with four touchdowns.
Witten played 17 decorated seasons as an NFL tight end (11-time Pro-Bowler) before serving the last five years as head coach at Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Texas. Witten, who coached his 2023 and '24 Warriors teams to Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools state championships, finished his NFL career with 1,228 receptions (ranks fourth in league history) for 13,046 yards and 74 touchdowns. He was finalist for Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
The Sooners (4-4 overall, 2-3 SEC) play at No. 25 Florida (5-3, 3-3) on Saturday at 6:45 p.m. CT. The game will be televised by SEC Network.
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."
Players Mentioned
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