Brent Venables: Oklahoma will “retain all” offensive assistants after hiring OC Ben Arbuckle

Brent Venables: Oklahoma Will “Retain All” Offensive Assistants After Hiring OC Ben Arbuckle

In a move that signals continuity and stability within the Oklahoma Sooners’ football program, head coach Brent Venables confirmed that the university will “retain all” offensive assistants following the hiring of Ben Arbuckle as the team’s new offensive coordinator. This decision, coming at a critical juncture of the offseason, reflects the Sooners’ commitment to their current coaching staff while also signaling an exciting new chapter for their offensive strategy.

Ben Arbuckle, a rising star in the coaching ranks, has been appointed as the new offensive coordinator, replacing Jeff Lebby, who left to take a similar role at the University of Mississippi. Arbuckle comes to Oklahoma after an impressive tenure as the offensive coordinator at Western Kentucky, where he orchestrated one of the most potent offenses in college football. His track record includes a dynamic passing game and a reputation for innovative play-calling, making him an attractive hire for Venables, who is eager to elevate Oklahoma’s offense to match its storied defensive tradition.

Arbuckle’s appointment has been met with excitement by the Oklahoma faithful, with many eager to see how he will integrate into the Sooner’s existing framework. However, amidst the changes, Venables made it clear that the offensive staff would remain largely unchanged. Despite the transition at the coordinator position, Venables reassured fans that the current offensive assistants will be retained, allowing the offense to maintain a sense of continuity.

“We are very excited to bring Ben Arbuckle into the program, but we’re also very committed to the staff we’ve built here,” Venables said in a statement. “We’re going to retain all of our offensive assistants, and we believe this will allow us to build on the good work we’ve already done while integrating Ben’s innovative ideas and leadership.”

This decision speaks to Venables’ approach to fostering long-term success through stability. While a change in offensive coordinators often brings about significant changes to an offensive scheme, Venables is prioritizing familiarity within the coaching room. This continuity will be key in keeping the Sooners’ offense operating smoothly as they transition to a new system under Arbuckle.

Venables also highlighted the importance of keeping the current offensive staff intact, noting that the assistants had built strong relationships with the players and developed a deep understanding of the system. He pointed out that these relationships are crucial to the development of the team’s offensive players, particularly the quarterbacks and skill position players, who rely heavily on trust and chemistry with their coaches. By keeping the existing staff in place, Venables is ensuring that these relationships can continue to flourish as Arbuckle steps into his new role.

The retention of the offensive assistants also provides a sense of continuity for the players themselves, many of whom are still adjusting to Venables’ defensive-first approach and the rapid changes that have come with a new head coach. For players who have worked closely with the current offensive staff, this consistency can be invaluable as they look to build on their experience in a new offensive system.

Arbuckle’s hiring is part of Venables’ broader strategy to bring both innovation and stability to the program. Arbuckle is known for his dynamic offense that places a premium on pace and passing efficiency, qualities that will complement Oklahoma’s strong tradition of offensive football. His tenure at Western Kentucky was marked by a high-flying, up-tempo offense that relied on aggressive play-calling and an ability to stretch the field. Venables is hopeful that Arbuckle’s expertise will enhance an Oklahoma offense that, while productive, has been inconsistent in recent years.

The combination of retaining the offensive assistants and adding Arbuckle to the mix signals a clear plan for the Sooners moving forward. Venables’ defense-first philosophy is well known, but the hiring of Arbuckle demonstrates his commitment to balancing the program’s traditionally strong defense with an offense capable of competing at the highest levels of college football.

In terms of immediate impact, Arbuckle’s influence is expected to be felt quickly, as the Sooners have a strong roster of talent at key offensive positions, including quarterback and wide receiver. Oklahoma’s quarterback room, which has featured a mix of highly-touted recruits and experienced players, will likely benefit from Arbuckle’s expertise in developing signal-callers. The wide receiver corps, which has seen flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency, should also benefit from Arbuckle’s dynamic approach to the passing game.

Venables, who is entering his second year as head coach after a promising but challenging first season, has made it clear that he expects nothing less than excellence from all aspects of the program. By retaining the offensive assistants and hiring an innovative coordinator like Arbuckle, he is positioning the Sooners for success in both the short and long term.

As Oklahoma heads into the offseason, the combination of coaching stability and a fresh offensive outlook under Arbuckle offers hope for fans eager to see the Sooners return to the upper echelon of college football. With a new offensive direction, a stable coaching staff, and a committed leadership structure, the Sooners are poised to make a strong push in 2024 and beyond.