NORMAN — It’s been nearly a month since Seth Littrell was fired as OU’s offensive coordinator.
During seven games calling plays, Littrell’s offense ranked No. 129 nationally. In that span, he went through two starting quarterbacks, Michael Hawkins Jr. and Jackson Arnold.
Interim play caller Joe Jon Finley has helped the Sooners‘ group improve slightly, but he’s considered a long shot to take over full-time.
After electing to promote an in-house candidate after last season to replace Jeff Lebby, don’t be surprised if head coach Brent Venables expands his search this time around. OU athletic director Joe Castiglione said last week the search will be “as open as it needs to be.”
Venables said following the firing of Littrell that he “could care less about OU ties” when making his decision on who to hire next.
Here’s an updated list of some potential offensive coordinator candidates:
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Joe Craddock, Tulane offensive coordinator
Tulane’s Joe Craddock checks all the boxes.
Craddock, a former quarterback at Middle Tennessee, served as a graduate assistant at Clemson from 2012-14 while Venables was the Tigers’ defensive coordinator. His stint as Arkansas’ play caller from 2018-19 didn’t turn out well, but he’s excelled since working under coach Jon Sumrall at Troy and Tulane.
The Green Wave ranked fourth in scoring offense and 26th in total offense nationally entering Saturday’s blowout win at Navy. Craddock has helped redshirt freshman quarterback Darian Mensah throw for 2,197 yards, 18 touchdowns and four interceptions.
Mensah could be a package deal if the Sooners decide to hire Craddock.
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Brennan Marion, UNLV offensive coordinator
Brennan Marion is an intriguing up-and-comer who has UNLV’s offense rolling.
Marion’s name was brought up when OU was in search of a new play caller last season. Jacob Davis of AllHogs reported the Sooners inquired about him last November when he was also a finalist for the San Diego State head coaching gig.
At 37, Marion has helped UNLV average 426.2 yards per game entering this weekend. Marion spent a season working as a passing game coordinator under Steve Sarkisian at Texas.
Marion attended the University of Tulsa, where he played football.
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Buster Faulkner, Georgia Tech offensive coordinator
Georgia Tech’s Buster Faulkner is also becoming a hot name nationally.
Faulkner had the Yellow Jackets averaging 417.1 yards per game entering this weekend and outschemed Miami defensive coordinator Lance Guidry in an upset win over the Hurricanes.
Faulkner won two national titles in three seasons as an offensive quality control assistant for quarterbacks at Georgia.
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Ben Arbuckle, Washington State offensive coordinator
Ben Arbuckle is one of the best offensive minds in the country.
Arbuckle had Washington State ranked as the No. 17 offense in the country entering this weekend. Arbuckle coached current Miami and former Cougars quarterback Cam Ward to a sensational season in 2023.
He also helped develop Kansas City quarterback Bailey Zappe at both Houston Baptist and Western Kentucky.
He’s 29 and his stock is rising quickly.
Others: South Alabama offensive coordinator Rob Ezell and Baylor offensive coordinator Jake Spavital.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU football offensive coordinator search: Our updated 2025 watch list
