Oklahoma offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Seth Littrell was fired on Sunday after consecutive dismal outputs during what already had been a poor season.
The Sooners (4-3, 1-3 Southeastern Conference) gained just 237 yards in a 34-3 loss to then-No. 1 Texas on Oct. 12, then finished with 291 yards in a 35-9 home loss to South Carolina on Saturday. Oklahoma, an offensive powerhouse for the past decade, has one of the worst offenses in the FBS this season, its first as a member of the SEC. The unit’s struggles have overshadowed one of the best Sooner defenses in years.
The school announced that co-offensive coordinator Joe Jon Finley will take over as the primary play caller. Senior offensive analyst Kevin Johns has been elevated to co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
Against South Carolina, freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. had three turnovers in his first nine snaps. Two were returned for touchdowns, helping South Carolina take a 21-0 lead. The Sooners switched from Hawkins to Jackson Arnold, the original starter this season, and he led them to their only touchdown. The quarterbacks were sacked a combined nine times.
Coach Brent Venables said after the game he didn’t know which quarterback will start Saturday at No. 18 Mississippi.
Littrell was an offensive analyst last season, but stepped in as coordinator for the Alamo Bowl after Jeff Lebby left to become head coach at Mississippi State.
Finley, a former Oklahoma player and graduate assistant, returned to the Sooners in 2021 as assistant head coach for offense and tight ends and H-backs coach. He was tight ends coach the last two seasons before getting promoted to co-offensive coordinator last November.
“The leadership role Joe Jon plays on our team is critical,” Venables said in a statement. “He has the confidence of our locker room and coaching staff, and I’m thankful to him for taking on this expanded role in the middle of the season.”
___
Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
