Oklahoma is expected to fire offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle in his second season, sources confirmed to CBS Sports. The Sooners suffered a 42-25 loss to South Carolina at home on Saturday, where the offense managed only three first-half points. Arbuckle, 31, was hired in 2024 after leading an explosive offense at Washington State and brought transfer quarterback John Mateer with him. Despite high expectations, Oklahoma's offense has declined in 2026, ranking 15th in the SEC in both total and scoring offense.
Quarterback Struggles
Mateer, once viewed as a game-changing addition, has struggled since hand surgery a year ago. He finished last season with 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, and this year has 13 touchdowns and seven interceptions while averaging just 1.7 yards per carry. In a loss to Kentucky, he threw one touchdown and three interceptions. The quarterback change has not resolved Oklahoma's offensive woes.
Deeper Offensive Issues
Problems extend beyond playcalling. The Sooners rank 131st nationally in rushing at 3.2 yards per carry and have scored only three rushing touchdowns, the fewest in the country. Their run-blocking unit is rated 105th by Pro Football Focus. Even with the absence of top lineman Michael Fasusi for several games, the line has been disastrous. Head coach Brent Venables will likely need to evaluate longtime offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh after the season.
Coaching Carousel Continues
Arbuckle's potential firing continues a revolving door of offensive staff under Venables. Since Jeff Lebby left for Mississippi State, the Sooners have cycled through coordinators, with Seth Littrell fired after seven games in 2024 and multiple assistants dismissed after 2025. Oklahoma sits at 4-4 with difficult games ahead against Ole Miss, Missouri, and Florida, risking their first bowl miss since 1998. The next offensive coordinator will be the sixth playcaller in six years, a position complicated by Venables' defensive focus and his own hot seat status.
