Oklahoma set to name Jason Witten offensive coordinator after Ben Arbuckle dismissal

Oklahoma is poised to install Jason Witten as its new offensive coordinator, a move expected to follow the firing of Ben Arbuckle. Sources confirmed the personnel change to Sooners Illustrated on Sunday, marking a rapid transition for the Sooners staff.

Witten joined the Oklahoma coaching staff earlier in 2026 as the tight ends coach. His elevation places him in charge of the offense immediately before the final stretch of the season. The program now faces three remaining games against opponents ranked in the AP Top 25.

The new coordinator brings a specific statistical record from his time at Liberty Christian High School in Argyle, Texas. From 2023 through 2024, Witten led the Warriors to a combined 26-1 record. The team averaged 50.9 points per game during that two-year span. Quarterback Quinn Murphy, who is now enrolled at Baylor, threw for 3,152 yards and 40 touchdowns under Witten's direction.

Witten’s NFL career included four All-Pro selections and 11 Pro Bowl appearances with the Dallas Cowboys. He retired after the 2020 season and subsequently coached his son, Cooper, at Liberty Christian. Cooper is a five-star linebacker in the Class of 2027 and has committed to play for Oklahoma. The Warriors won their first two state championships in program history during Witten's tenure.

Despite the high school success, the coaching context differs from the SEC. Liberty Christian competes in the TAPPS private school conference. In Witten's final season, the team posted a 1-2 record against public school opponents. Kevin Wilson, a former Sooners coordinator, will serve as an offensive analyst to assist in the transition. Witten was named to the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 2019.