Oklahoma Sooners Face Offensive Overhaul Amid Coaching Changes

The Oklahoma Sooners are in the midst of a challenging season, with their offense performing significantly below expectations. This struggle has intensified following changes in the coaching staff. Jeff Lebby departed to take on the head coaching role at Mississippi State at the end of the 2023 regular season. In response, head coach Brent Venables decided to promote from within, elevating Seth Littrell and Joe Finley as co-offensive coordinators. However, the decision did not yield the desired results.

According to sources within the program, Littrell served as the quarterbacks coach and primary play-caller, while Finley continued to manage the tight ends. Despite these efforts, the team struggled offensively, leading to Littrell’s dismissal after just seven games. Finley assumed the interim role of play-caller, and Matt Johns was promoted to interim co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

The duo initially showed promise, particularly in games against Ole Miss and Maine. However, their efforts faltered in a significant loss to Missouri, highlighting persistent deficiencies within the offense. With these concerns in mind, Venables is now actively searching for external candidates to fill the offensive coordinator position for the next season.

The search has intensified with influential figures in the Oklahoma football community suggesting potential candidates. Dusty Dvoracek, a former defensive lineman for the Sooners, has suggested Dan Mullen, the former head coach of Mississippi State and Florida. «On my list, my No. 1 person I’m calling is Dan Mullen,» Dvoracek said during a segment on «The Oklahoma Break» with fellow Sooners alumni Gabe Ikard and Teddy Lehman. Dvoracek emphasized Mullen’s capabilities in developing quarterbacks and offensive strategy.

Mullen, who is currently a college football analyst with ESPN, is well-regarded for his offensive acumen. His resume includes leading Florida to two national championships as an offensive coordinator and developing NFL-caliber quarterbacks like Dak Prescott. Despite his departure from Florida in 2021, his prowess in orchestrating potent offenses remains well recognized.

Other candidates are also under consideration, including Ben Arbuckle, Jake Spavital, Joe Craddock, and Mike Shanahan. Each brings unique experience and success in their previous roles, contributing to the broad pool of potential replacements for Littrell and Finley.

Venables’s decision is crucial, as it could determine his own future with the Sooners, as well as the team’s performance in upcoming seasons. Analysts indicate that the new offensive coordinator must address several challenges, including quarterback selection and offensive line improvements.

Furthermore, the decision will impact other coaching staff members, such as Emmett Jones, Bill Bedenbaugh, and DeMarco Murray, who may report to a new offensive leader next season. As the search continues, Sooners fans are hopeful for a turnaround that will restore their team to its historic offensive capabilities.