College Sports
Venables Leaves Oklahoma’s Quarterback Decision Open After Coordinator Change
John Mateer has started every game, but Brent Venables described a fresh start with Jason Witten serving as interim offensive coordinator.
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables left open the possibility of a quarterback change following offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle’s dismissal and Jason Witten’s appointment as interim coordinator.
John Mateer has started every game for the Sooners this season. In Tuesday’s comments, Venables described a fresh start for the offense and said players still believed in Mateer, without committing to a change before Saturday’s game at Florida.
Mateer has thrown 13 touchdown passes and seven interceptions for Oklahoma, which is 4–4 overall and 2–3 in the SEC. Arbuckle was fired after the Sooners’ 42–25 loss to South Carolina, Field Level Media reported Wednesday.
The other quarterback options include junior Whitt Newbauer and freshman Bowe Bentley. Neither has played since the September 4 opener against UTEP, according to the report.
Witten had been Oklahoma’s tight ends coach before receiving the interim assignment. Venables cited his leadership, communication and relationships with players and staff in explaining the move. Florida also has an unsettled quarterback situation, with coach Jon Sumrall declining to name Aaron Philo or Tramell Jones Jr. as his starter.
