The Oklahoma Sooners are still searching for their next offensive coordinator. After the firing of Seth Littrell mid-season, the hunt has been ongoing for someone to replace him in 2025. Brent Venables needs an answer by early December at the latest. So, who is most likely to be Oklahoma’s next offensive coordinator search?
Words Not Spoken
In his tenure as head coach, Venables has taken two paths when it comes to hiring coordinators. For the first year, Venables spent good money and effort to bring in Jeff Lebby. After Lebby’s departure, Venables promoted internally by elevating Joe Jon Finley and Seth Littrell to co-hold the position. This time around, it seems he is once again looking beyond the Sooners’ staff room.
“If I’m talking to the right people, which I believe I am,” Venables said during the Alabama-Oklahoma press conference, “They’re going to be sensitive to finishing what they started and being loyal to their players. But sooner than later is when I want it finished.”
The important thing here is what Venables is not saying. Many have been speculating that the job could go to someone such as Dan Mullen. However, Venables’ statement sounds like Oklahoma is searching for someone still working in a program. As Mullen is currently busy at ESPN, it’s unlikely that he’d be on the list. While Mullen has shown interest in the past, given the obvious personality clash it would certainly be an odd choice.
What Does Oklahoma Need?
The recruiting plan was to get big names and strong pedigrees for the first SEC season and then move on. Unfortunately, most of those names didn’t last long enough for that. Given that this season was a hair’s breadth away from being one of the worst in twenty years, it’s time for a change.
Oklahoma needs someone capable of working outside the Air Raid offense- especially if times get tough next year. When Finley and Venables played against type, they pulled off a massive upset against Alabama. Perhaps changing the entire playbook isn’t necessary, but having an adaptable coordinator absolutely is.
Top 5 Choices for OU’s Offensive Coordinator in 2025
So, who are Venables’ best candidates?
Ben Arbuckle, Offensive Coordinator, Washington State. Arbuckle is, unarguably, the best fit for the role. At Western Kentucky, he set an expectation for excellence. While his Washington State run has been disappointing, that may be just the opening that Oklahoma needs to snap him up. While his background is heavily based on the Air Raid concepts, Arbuckle has made it clear he’ll adapt when necessary. Those who have kept an eye on the Cougars know that their offense has been especially reliant on the ground game this season.
Brennan Marion, Offensive Coordinator, UNLV. When the news broke about Littrell’s firing, Last Word On Sports was one of the first to put Marion’s name into contention. An Oklahoma native, Marion has made a career out of short but massive turnarounds at every program he’s been at. UNLV has been no different. If the Sooners are looking for a man who can work with both the current and future rosters, Marion should be number one on their list.
Jake Spavital, Offensive Coordinator, Baylor. Spavital, for some reason, seems to be in contention for the job. Quite frankly, Spavital is a nonsensical choice. He’s been responsible for massive turnarounds in programs across the country. However, unless Oklahoma is going to replace its entire line, recruit healthy receivers, and get a consistent quarterback, Spavital as coordinator likely won’t work out.
Joe Craddock, Offensive Coordinator, Tulane. Craddock has had, to put it mildly, a genuinely wild career. From quarterbacking for Middle Tennessee State in the 2000s to the Italian Football League to the accolade-laden Troy, and now at Tulane. If there’s a word to describe Craddock, it’s versatile. The main concern here is if jumping ship is even interesting to him. Jon Sumrall is allegedly being tapped to take over Kentucky, meaning Craddock may be offered the top job at Tulane for 2025.
Mack Leftwich, Offensive Coordinator, Texas State. Oklahoma is, historically, known for producing some of the best quarterbacks in the nation. This is an area where Leftwich excels. His offensive plan also fits into the Sooners’ current and future needs. Leftwich is leading Texas State to unprecedented success in the Sun Belt by using a modified-spread, high-tempo approach. Leftwich also had a stint at Incarnate Word, an FCS school renowned for producing high-quality players.
Final Prediction for Oklahoma’s Next Offensive Coordinator
After beating Alabama, Coach Venables has justified his multi-million dollar extension. While he basks in the relief of this moment, it’s also time to re-solidify his focus. When the Sooners were floundering, successfully snatching any coordinator would have been a win. Now, though, there’s only one or two names that could truly be considered a good choice.
For Last Word On Sports, Arbuckle or Leftwich are the two best fit for Oklahoma’s future. Any other choice might be good, but none of them can lead to the level of success that Arbuckle or Leftwich can. When the Sooners ultimately make their decision for Oklahoma’s next offensive coordinator, Last Word On Sports will be there to provide you with the full breakdown.
