As the Oklahoma Sooners prepare for a new chapter in their football program, attention has turned to filling the offensive coordinator position after Seth Littrell’s departure. Littrell, who served as Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator for eight seasons, has moved on to new opportunities, leaving a significant void for head coach Brent Venables to fill. The Sooners, with their high-powered offensive tradition, are looking for a dynamic leader who can continue to build on the program’s storied offensive success.
Several names have already emerged as top candidates to take over the role, including familiar faces within the coaching world like Joe Jon Finley and Brennan Marion, as well as other potential hires who could bring fresh ideas to the table. Let’s take a closer look at the candidates being considered for this critical position.
Joe Jon Finley – A Familiar Face in Norman
Joe Jon Finley, who previously served as Oklahoma’s tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator, has quickly become one of the most talked-about candidates to take over the offensive coordinator role. Finley has a deep understanding of the Oklahoma football program and its offensive philosophy, making him a strong contender to step into the position seamlessly.
In his previous role with the Sooners, Finley helped develop several standout tight ends, contributing to an offense that consistently ranked among the nation’s best. His recruiting acumen has also played a pivotal role in bringing in high-level talent, and his ability to connect with players has earned him respect across the coaching staff and among the fanbase.
If hired as offensive coordinator, Finley would bring a familiarity with Oklahoma’s system while likely adding his own touch to the offense. His experience coaching tight ends could also signal a greater emphasis on the position in the Sooners’ offensive game plan, helping to continue Oklahoma’s tradition of developing elite playmakers at every position.
Brennan Marion – Innovative Mind with a Track Record of Success
Another strong candidate to replace Seth Littrell is Brennan Marion, the current offensive coordinator at William & Mary. Marion has made a name for himself as one of the brightest young minds in college football, thanks to his innovative approach to offensive football. His “Go-Go” offense, which focuses on an up-tempo, high-scoring attack, has garnered attention for its ability to create mismatches and put pressure on opposing defenses.
Before his tenure at William & Mary, Marion was known for his work at Howard University, where he helped develop one of the most explosive offenses in the country. His ability to adapt his offense to fit the skill sets of his players has been one of his hallmarks, and his success in both the FCS and FBS levels has caught the attention of many major programs.
Marion’s style could represent a shift toward a more fast-paced, dynamic attack for the Sooners, which would align well with Oklahoma’s high-flying offensive tradition. His ability to develop quarterbacks and work with a variety of skill positions could bring a fresh and exciting perspective to the program.
Other Candidates to Watch
While Finley and Marion stand out as the leading candidates, other coaches could also be in the mix for the offensive coordinator role. Some potential candidates include:
- Kendal Briles – The offensive coordinator at Arkansas, Briles has been highly successful in building high-octane offenses in his previous roles at Houston and Florida Atlantic. His reputation for implementing a fast-paced, aggressive offensive scheme could make him an appealing choice for Oklahoma’s offensive system.
- Chip Long – A veteran offensive coordinator who has worked at several programs, including Notre Dame and Tulane, Long is known for his ability to design balanced, efficient offenses. His experience coaching at a high level in both the ACC and AAC gives him a unique perspective on offensive football that could fit well with the Sooners.
- Mike Denbrock – Currently serving as the offensive coordinator at LSU, Denbrock has been instrumental in LSU’s resurgence in recent years. His ability to adapt to different offensive styles and make the most of his personnel could make him a potential fit for Oklahoma, especially as they look to continue their success in the SEC.
The Future of Oklahoma’s Offense
As Oklahoma transitions into the SEC, finding the right offensive coordinator to lead the team’s offense will be crucial. The Sooners are looking for someone who can build on the program’s tradition of scoring points, developing quarterbacks, and creating a high-powered offense that can compete with the best teams in the country.
The right choice for offensive coordinator will need to bring creativity, a commitment to player development, and the ability to execute at the highest level. With the impressive pool of candidates, head coach Brent Venables will have a tough decision ahead as he looks to maintain Oklahoma’s offensive success in the next era of college football.
Conclusion
The search to replace Seth Littrell as Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator is already heating up, with several strong candidates in the mix, including Joe Jon Finley, Brennan Marion, and others. As Oklahoma moves into the SEC, the Sooners will need to ensure that the offensive coordinator they choose can continue to lead one of the most successful and exciting offenses in college football. With the right hire, Oklahoma could maintain its status as a national powerhouse for years to come.
