Brent Venables reveals how much involvement Ben Arbuckle will have in bowl prep
Just a few days into the offseason, Brent Venables has found a new offensive coordinator for Oklahoma. Ben Arbuckle is coming to Norman via Washington State as some youth is added to the coaching staff. A move Venables is hoping can turn the Sooners around in 2025 and moving forward.
Oklahoma will open next season with Illinois State on Aug. 30 and that will be Arbuckle’s debut. Despite OU having an upcoming bowl game, Venables will not have the new offensive coordinator coach. He believes game prep would be too much for Arbuckle being so new on the job.
“Sit back and asses mode,” Venables said. “It’s just too much to ask of a guy that doesn’t really know the personnel or the people, those types of things. Our staff will handle that.”
Play-calling duties started the year in Seth Litrell‘s hands but a midseason move was made. Joe Jon Finley took over all the way through a season finale loss against LSU. The same is expected for when Oklahoma plays in their postseason game, whenever it may be.
On the flip side, Arbuckle will not be with Washington State in their bowl game. He has already been hired by Oklahoma and made appearances in Norman, likely preparing for next year. Learning the personnel is the top priority and figuring out what kind of talent needs to be acquired.
Where the Sooners play will be determined on Sunday. Prime concern for the college football world is figuring out the College Football Playoff as results of championship weekend will determine the 12-team field. From there, bowl games will begin to trickle out and destinations will be discovered.
Oklahoma currently has a 6-6 record, hoping to avoid the second losing season of Venables’ tenure with the program. While they are excited about Arbuckle and the potential he possesses, the current staff will get the team through bowl prep. Arbuckle will insert himself in just over nine month’s time.
The post Brent Venables reveals how much involvement Ben Arbuckle will have in bowl prep appeared first on On3.
