Oklahoma offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Seth Littrell was dismissed on Sunday after the team experienced back-to-back poor performances in what has already been a tough season.
The Sooners (4-3, 1-3 Southeastern Conference) managed only 237 yards in a 34-3 defeat against then-No. 1 Texas on October 12, followed by just 291 yards in a 35-9 home loss to South Carolina on Saturday.
Traditionally known for their strong offense, Oklahoma now ranks among the weakest offenses in the FBS this year, marking their first season in the SEC. This offensive struggle has overshadowed one of the best defenses the Sooners have had in years.
The university announced that co-offensive coordinator Joe Jon Finley will step up as the main play caller. Senior offensive analyst Kevin Johns has been promoted to co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
In the game against South Carolina, freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. committed three turnovers in his first nine plays. Two of those turnovers were returned for touchdowns, giving South Carolina a quick 21-0 lead.
The Sooners then switched from Hawkins to Jackson Arnold, the original starter this season, who managed to lead the team to their only touchdown. Combined, the quarterbacks were sacked nine times.
Coach Brent Venables mentioned after the game that he was uncertain about which quarterback would start on Saturday against No. 18 Mississippi.
Littrell had been an offensive analyst last season but took over as coordinator for the Alamo Bowl when Jeff Lebby left to become head coach at Mississippi State.
Finley, a former player at Oklahoma, returned to the team in 2021 as the assistant head coach for offense, also working with tight ends and H-backs. He served as the tight ends coach for the last two seasons before being elevated 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.”
