Could Jason Witten be Oklahoma's long-term answer at OC?
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Could Jason Witten be Oklahoma's long-term answer at OC?
Jaron Spor, Sooners Wire·Sooners Wire
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2 min read
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TheOklahoma Soonershave made a major change to their coaching staff after losing to the South Carolina Gamecocks on Saturday, 42-25.Reports saythe Sooners are moving on from offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and promoting new tight ends coach Jason Witten to interim play caller.
Witten spent 17 years in the NFL, most notably playing for the Dallas Cowboys. He retired following the 2020 season. He then started his coaching career, taking over Liberty Christian High School in Argyle, Tex. Witten struggled in his first season, going 2-8, but turned the team around, going 10-2, 14-0, 13-1, and 8-4 in his next four seasons. That included two state championships. During his time as head coach, he also served as the offensive play caller. His team averaged more than 40 points per game over his five seasons. They also had numerous 50- and 60-point games, including a high of 85 in 2023.
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He left to take over as tight ends coach in Norman in the offseason. His tight end room has arguably been the most improved unit on the team this year. Rocky Beers has become one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the country. But his play-calling ability will be tested. He has called plays before, but only at the high school level. It wasn't in the SEC.
Witten now has an opportunity to prove he can translate his coaching experience and offensive knowledge to the college level. The transition from high school play caller to leading an SEC offense is significant, especially with Oklahoma needing answers quickly. His familiarity with the personnel, particularly the tight end room, could help provide some continuity as the Sooners adjust to another change on the offensive staff.
The final stretch of the season will be an important evaluation period for Witten and the program. Oklahoma needs immediate improvement in execution, consistency, and production, while Witten has a chance to show what he can bring as a play caller. Whether this interim opportunity leads to a permanent promotion remains to be seen, but the next few games could significantly shape his future in Norman.
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) gets up after a failed 2-point conversion attempt during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026. South Carolina won 42-25.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Ivan Carreon (82) gets past South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back Kendall Daniels Jr. (5) for a touchdown during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026. South Carolina won 42-25.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
An Oklahoma fan reacts during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026. South Carolina won 42-25.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer (left) greets Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables after the game at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) greets Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) after the game at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners kicker Tate Sandell (29) cannot kick a successful onside kick during the fourth quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
South Carolina Gamecocks defensive lineman Caleb Herring (39) hits Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) as he throws during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Michael Boganowski (25) makes an interception during the third quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) celebrates with teammates after returning an interception for a touchdown during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) returns an interception for a touchdown during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) makes an interception and returns it for a touchdown during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Jake Kreul (98) rushes South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) runs with the ball as Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Peyton Bowen (22) defends during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) runs for a touchdown past Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Courtland Guillory (4) defends during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables shouts at Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Trystan Haynes (14) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) stands with teammates as they sing after a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026. South Carolina won 42-25.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
1/17
Should Oklahoma bench John Mateer after the Ben Arbuckle news?
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) gets up after a failed 2-point conversion attempt during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026. South Carolina won 42-25.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
1/17
Should Oklahoma bench John Mateer after the Ben Arbuckle news?
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) gets up after a failed 2-point conversion attempt during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026. South Carolina won 42-25.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
2/17
Photos from Oklahoma's 42-25 loss to South Carolina
Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Ivan Carreon (82) gets past South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back Kendall Daniels Jr. (5) for a touchdown during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026. South Carolina won 42-25.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
3/17
Photos from Oklahoma's 42-25 loss to South Carolina
An Oklahoma fan reacts during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026. South Carolina won 42-25.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
4/17
Brent Venables doesn't want to talk about staff changes after loss
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer (left) greets Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables after the game at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5/17
Photos from Oklahoma's 42-25 loss to South Carolina
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) greets Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) after the game at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6/17
Photos from Oklahoma's 42-25 loss to South Carolina
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners kicker Tate Sandell (29) cannot kick a successful onside kick during the fourth quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7/17
Photos from Oklahoma's 42-25 loss to South Carolina
South Carolina Gamecocks defensive lineman Caleb Herring (39) hits Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) as he throws during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
8/17
Photos from Oklahoma's 42-25 loss to South Carolina
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Michael Boganowski (25) makes an interception during the third quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9/17
Photos from Oklahoma's 42-25 loss to South Carolina
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) celebrates with teammates after returning an interception for a touchdown during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10/17
Photos from Oklahoma's 42-25 loss to South Carolina
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) returns an interception for a touchdown during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11/17
Photos from Oklahoma's 42-25 loss to South Carolina
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) makes an interception and returns it for a touchdown during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
12/17
Photos from Oklahoma's 42-25 loss to South Carolina
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Jake Kreul (98) rushes South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
13/17
Oklahoma Sooners game-by-game predictions from ESPN
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
14/17
Photos from Oklahoma's 42-25 loss to South Carolina
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) runs with the ball as Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Peyton Bowen (22) defends during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
15/17
Photos from Oklahoma's 42-25 loss to South Carolina
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) runs for a touchdown past Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Courtland Guillory (4) defends during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
16/17
Brent Venables impressed by Florida's high-powered offense
Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables shouts at Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Trystan Haynes (14) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
17/17
Will Oklahoma make a change at QB? Brent Venables weighs in
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) stands with teammates as they sing after a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026. South Carolina won 42-25.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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