The Oklahoma Sooners are in search of a new offensive coordinator after the firing of Seth Littrell following their loss to South Carolina. This is going to be a crucial hire for Brent Venables, as the Sooners’ offense has struggled significantly this season.
Venables will need to find a coach who can revitalize the offense and help bring them back to an identity. The next offensive coordinator will not only have a major impact on the team’s success in 2025, but he will also set the tone for Venables’ future in what is sure to be a critical fourth year at the helm of the program.
There’s undoubtedly going to be a variety of talented candidates available for Venables to consider. We all know that no one is going to ask my opinion, but if they did here’s the three guys that I believe could be the right fit to lead the Sooners offense back to prominence.
#3 Zach Kittley
Zach Kittley, the current offensive coordinator at Texas Tech, could be a strong candidate for Oklahoma. He has a proven track record of success and experience running an air raid offense, which is allegedly Oklahoma’s style of play.
Kittley learned to develop quarterbacks under the tutelage of Kliff Kingsbury and has also served on staff at Western Kentucky. Under his guidance the offense at Texas Tech has been producing at a high level. The Red Raiders currently rank 18th in scoring offense and 19th in total offense. This demonstrates his ability to develop a strong and effective offensive scheme.
Texas Tech’s defense has always been a struggle but Kittley’s offensive production has kept the Red Raiders competitive in 2024. His ability to score points and sustain drives could be a valuable asset for Oklahoma’s offense, especially when you consider the defensive turnaround that’s occurred since Venables arrived in Norman.
#2 Ben Arbuckle
Ben Arbuckle is a rising star in college football. The current offensive coordinator at Washington State, he could be a strong candidate for Oklahoma’s vacant offensive coordinator position. Arbuckle has quickly established himself as a promising offensive mind, and the fact that he’s stuck in the Pac-12 could be an indicator that he’ll be open to listening to programs from the major conferences.
Arbuckle’s offenses at Washington State have been highly productive, ranking 35th in yards per game and fourth in passing yards per game in 2023. His ability to develop quarterbacks and create a balanced offense is evident in his success. His work with Cam Ward last season further highlights his coaching abilities with the quarterback position. Ward has had a successful transfer to Miami and is a potential Heisman Trophy candidate.
Even after Ward’s departure the Cougars are still rolling offensively. Currently WSU is tied for 20th in total offense this year, averaging 459.4 yards per game, and are 15th in scoring offense, putting up 39.6 points per game.
#1 Brennan Marion
Brennan Marion, the offensive coordinator at UNLV, is my top choice and should be a strong candidate for Oklahoma’s vacant offensive coordinator position. He has quickly gained a reputation as a creative and innovative offensive mind.
Despite facing adversity this season, with the loss of quarterback Mathew Sluka, Marion’s offense has continued to produce. UNLV ranks 41st in total offense and fifth in scoring offense, showcasing his ability to adapt and find success with different personnel.
Marion’s coaching resume includes stints at Texas and Pittsburgh, where he worked with talented receivers like Jordan Addison. He was nominated for the Frank Broyles Award in 2022, further highlighting his reputation as a top assistant coach in college football. As if his ability to create explosive offenses and develop players makes him a compelling candidate for Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator position weren’t already enough, the potential of his continued relationship with Sluka opens the door for the possibility of him bringing a proven playmaker at the position with him.
Other Possibilities
Mike Shanahan, Indiana
Jeff Nixon, Syracuse
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I’ve watched Indiana twice this year, and Shanahan shredded the Nebraska defense. No way he’s not #1.