Oklahoma shakes up offense with Arbuckle hire

Oklahoma Makes Bold Move, Hires 29-Year-Old Ben Arbuckle as New Offensive Coordinator

Big changes are coming to Norman, Oklahoma, and they’re arriving in the form of a 29-year-old offensive mastermind. The Oklahoma Sooners have officially agreed to a three-year deal to bring in Washington State’s Ben Arbuckle as their new offensive coordinator, sources told ESPN on Monday. This hire is a clear signal that Oklahoma is ready to shake things up after a tough debut season in the SEC.

Let’s face it: Oklahoma’s offense struggled mightily this year. The Sooners finished No. 15 out of 16 teams in both scoring offense and total offense in their first SEC campaign. That’s not the kind of performance fans or the program expect from a team with such a storied history. The struggles led to the firing of Seth Littrell in late October, as Oklahoma stumbled to a 2-6 record in the SEC and a 6-6 overall finish. It was clear that something had to change, and Arbuckle is the man tasked with turning things around.

Why Arbuckle? A Rising Star in College Football

In Ben Arbuckle, Oklahoma is betting on one of the brightest young minds in college football. At just 29 years old, Arbuckle has already made a name for himself as an innovative playcaller and offensive strategist. His work at Washington State this past season was nothing short of impressive. The Cougars finished No. 12 nationally in scoring offense, No. 9 in passing efficiency, and No. 22 in total offense. Those are the kind of numbers that make you sit up and take notice.

Under Arbuckle’s guidance, Washington State quarterback John Mateer had a breakout season, throwing for 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns. Mateer, a sophomore from Little Elm, Texas, has become a hot commodity, and if he decides to enter the NCAA transfer portal, he’ll have plenty of high-profile suitors. This isn’t the first time Arbuckle has helped a quarterback shine. Last season, Cam Ward threw for 3,735 yards and 29 touchdowns under Arbuckle’s watchful eye.

Proven Success at Western Kentucky

Before his time at Washington State, Arbuckle served as the co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Western Kentucky. His impact there was just as impressive. In 2022, WKU quarterback Austin Reed led the nation in passing yards with a jaw-dropping 4,746. That kind of production doesn’t happen by accident. Arbuckle’s ability to develop quarterbacks and design high-powered offenses has made him one of the most sought-after coordinators in the country.

What This Means for Oklahoma

For Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables, this hire is a critical step forward. Venables, a defensive-minded coach, has faced his share of challenges since taking over the Sooners. Through three seasons, he’s posted a 22-16 overall record. While that’s not terrible, it’s not the level of success Oklahoma fans are used to. The decision to promote Seth Littrell internally to offensive coordinator this year didn’t pan out, and now Venables is looking to Arbuckle to help the Sooners find their footing in the SEC.

Here’s why this hire is so important:

• Offensive Overhaul: Oklahoma’s offense needs a complete reset, and Arbuckle’s track record suggests he’s the right person for the job.
• SEC Competition: The SEC is a different beast, and the Sooners need to step up their game to compete with the likes of Alabama, Georgia, and LSU.
• Quarterback Development: Arbuckle’s history of developing quarterbacks could be a game-changer for Oklahoma’s future signal-callers.

Oklahoma fans have every reason to be excited about this hire. Arbuckle brings fresh ideas, a proven track record, and a youthful energy that could be exactly what the Sooners need to turn things around. Of course, the pressure will be on from day one. The SEC is unforgiving, and Oklahoma’s fanbase is hungry for success. But if Arbuckle can replicate the success he’s had at Washington State and Western Kentucky, the Sooners could be in for a bright future.

For now, all eyes are on Norman as the Sooners prepare for what promises to be an intriguing offseason. Can Arbuckle’s offensive genius help Oklahoma rise to the top of the SEC? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this hire has the potential to be a game-changer.