As Oklahoma continues its quiet but deliberate search for a new tight ends coach, a new name has surfaced in recent conversations — one that hasn’t been at the forefront publicly but is drawing increased internal attention.
According to multiple sources with knowledge of the process, former Oklahoma captain Ty Darlington has recently been discussed as a potential candidate as the Sooners evaluate options following the January 2 separation from Joe Jon Finley.
To be clear, Darlington is not being framed internally as a frontrunner at this stage. But his name has moved from “peripheral” to “worth a closer look,” which, at this point in the cycle, is notable.
Why Oklahoma Is Still Being Methodical
This hire is unfolding differently than a typical position coach replacement. Oklahoma is operating with urgency at the roster level — aggressively pursuing tight ends in the transfer portal — while showing patience on the staff side.
Sources indicate the staff views the tight end room as a foundational position in Ben Arbuckle’s offense, particularly in the SEC, where tight ends must function as true hybrid players. That’s why Oklahoma has been comfortable evaluating portal targets even without a full-time position coach in place.
Internally, the priority list remains consistent:
- Proven player development
- Ability to coach a complete tight end (run + pass)
- Cultural alignment with Venables’ program standards
That framework is what has brought Darlington into the discussion.
Darlington’s Name: Why It’s Coming Up Now
Darlington’s candidacy is gaining traction largely because of context, not nostalgia.
Now serving as co-offensive coordinator and tight ends coach at Tulsa, Darlington has taken on expanded responsibility that includes weekly game planning and schematic input — a step forward from the analyst and support roles he held earlier in his career.
Sources familiar with his current role describe him as “very involved” and “highly prepared,” with a coaching style that leans heavily on teaching and individual development.
Importantly, Darlington also has direct tight ends coaching experience, having coached the position at Incarnate Word in 2023, in addition to his current Tulsa role. That differentiates him from candidates whose résumés skew heavily toward analysis or recruiting.
Why the Fit Makes Sense — On Paper
From an institutional standpoint, Darlington checks boxes Oklahoma values.
He spent five seasons on Oklahoma’s staff from 2017–2021 in analyst and graduate assistant roles, giving him familiarity with the program’s operational structure. Multiple sources from that period emphasize that Darlington was “trusted” and “respected well beyond his title.”
As a former team captain and multi-year starter (2012–2015), Darlington’s understanding of Oklahoma’s internal expectations is not theoretical. That matters in a tight end room that is effectively being rebuilt from scratch.
There is also a belief internally that Darlington’s background as an offensive lineman gives him credibility with tight ends who must function as extensions of the line of scrimmage — a non-negotiable requirement in the SEC.
The Real Questions Oklahoma Is Asking
Despite the interest, this is not a case of Oklahoma fast-tracking a former player.
The biggest concern remains experience at the Power Five level as an on-field position coach. While Darlington has extensive support staff experience and has recently coached tight ends at the FBS level, his résumé does not include multiple seasons coaching the position in a Power Five conference.
That’s a significant consideration for a program that needs immediate results from the tight end room in 2026.
There are also scheme alignment questions. Darlington has coached within multiple offensive systems, but sources indicate the staff is still evaluating how his approach as Tulsa’s co-offensive coordinator would translate into Arbuckle’s structure.
Finally, there is awareness of Darlington’s September 2025 off-field incident at Tulsa. While characterized by sources as minor, it is part of the due diligence process and not something Oklahoma is glossing over.
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How He Fits Within the Broader Candidate Pool
Darlington’s emergence comes as Oklahoma continues to evaluate a wide range of options.
Other names connected to the search include:
- Brian Lepak, a former Sooner with recent Power Five tight ends coaching experience at Kansas State
- Jon Cooper, currently at Mississippi State with SEC run-game credentials
- Kevin Wilson, an internal analyst option with extensive head coaching experience
- Jason Witten, a high-profile but unconventional candidate with limited college coaching background
Within that group, Darlington is viewed internally as a developmental upside candidate — someone who offers cultural alignment and teaching ability, but with less certainty than more established Power Five coaches.
The Insider Read
At this stage, Ty Darlington’s name is best described as emerging, not leading.
Oklahoma is still early in the process of aligning staff decisions with portal strategy, and sources emphasize that no final direction has been set. However, Darlington’s candidacy reflects something important about this search: the Sooners are not simply chasing résumés — they are weighing fit, adaptability, and long-term vision.
Whether that ultimately works in Darlington’s favor remains to be seen. But his name is now firmly in the mix, and that alone signals how wide — and thoughtful — Oklahoma’s search remains.
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