Oklahoma · SECOklahoma extends Brent Venables, backs him after Arbuckle firing
Board chair Rick Nagel confirmed the extension as Jason Witten takes over Oklahoma’s offense for the rest of the season.
NOV 11, 2026
Overall record
SEC record
Previous overall and SEC record
01 · The NewsVenables Gets Backing, Witten Gets the Offense
Oklahoma Board of Regents chair Rick Nagel said Wednesday that Brent Venables has job security and confirmed the university recently extended the coach’s contract, even after firing offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle.
“The board doesn’t typically comment much on what’s going on in the athletic department,” Nagel said. “That’s maybe a smart thing. But I want to say this … our head coach, Brent Venables, is not on the hot seat. There is no hot seat. We just extended his contract.”
Oklahoma went 10-3 overall and 6-2 in the SEC in 2025. After nine games this season, the Sooners are 5-4 overall and 3-3 in conference play. They beat Florida 23-7 on the road in their latest reported result.
Witten now has the rest of the season to stabilize the offense while Venables continues to lead the program.
Oklahoma has not disclosed the extension’s length, financial terms, buyout or timing. The university also has not identified its permanent offensive coordinator.
For Venables, Nagel’s statement settles the coaching question. For Witten, the assignment is the offense in front of him.
02 · The StakesThe Immediate Test
That leaves Oklahoma’s immediate problem on offense, not at head coach. Jason Witten will run the unit for the rest of the season, giving the Sooners a chance to assess their direction after the change in a 5-4 season.
03 · The Detail Beneath the HeadlineWhat Most People Are Missing
Nagel’s assurance separates Oklahoma’s two evaluations: Venables has already received the university’s commitment, while Witten is charged with the offense without any corresponding commitment beyond the season. That distinction is sharper against the year-over-year drop. The Sooners followed a 10-3, 6-2 SEC finish in 2025 with a 5-4, 3-3 start, yet the disclosed staff change was at coordinator.
The 23-7 win at Florida gave Witten a favorable first result, but it did not restore last season’s level. Oklahoma has protected the head-coaching structure and left the offensive structure open, making the permanent coordinator choice the program’s consequential remaining personnel decision.
04 · The Open QuestionsQuestions to Be Answered
What did Oklahoma guarantee Venables in the extension?
Without the length, compensation, buyout or signing date, Nagel’s assurance establishes intent but not the size or duration of Oklahoma’s commitment. Those details determine how firmly the university tied itself to Venables amid a decline from 10-3 in 2025 to 5-4. The filed contract or a university disclosure will supply the answer.
05 · The Watch ListWhat We're Watching
Can Witten stabilize the offense?
Witten will run the unit for the rest of the season, giving Oklahoma a chance to assess its direction.
Does the offense turn the 5-4 season?
The Sooners are 5-4 overall and 3-3 in conference play after nine games.