The Oklahoma Sooners will have to replace two key offensive figures heading into the bowl game and next year into the [autotag]SEC[/autotag]. [autotag]Dillon Gabriel[/autotag] and [autotag]Jeff Lebby[/autotag] are off to other schools. Gabriel to play for the Oregon Ducks and Lebby to be the head coach of the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
So, now it’s time for the [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag] and [autotag]Seth Littrell[/autotag] show. Arnold will take over as the starting quarterback and Littrell will take over as co-offensive coordinator with [autotag]Joe Jon Finley[/autotag] and will handle the playcalling.
Arnold talked about what Littrell has been like in his new role with the team. “It’s hard for Coach Littrell because we are still going off of Lebby’s plays and his terminology right now,” Arnold said. “So, I won’t see Coach Littrell take over and implement his styles until the spring, but so far, I’ve seen him step into a more vocal role. Especially in our meeting rooms. That was something I was very curious to see, knowing him coming from an analyst to a position to an OC now, I was curious to see that transition and I think he’s stepped up and been a more vocal leader for us.”
Littrell has a history of leading some high-powered offenses, whether that was for the North Carolina Tar Heels, Indiana Hoosiers, or his most recent stop as the head coach of the North Texas Mean Green.
But the main question for myself and for Sooner fans is what does he like to do? Is he more of a running guy because of his background as a fullback or is he more of a passing guy because of his background in the Air Raid?
“He’s very balanced,” Arnold said. “He loves to run the ball, he loves to throw the ball. There’s not one thing he specializes in. But being an H-back as he was a tough guy. So, obviously, he’s going to run the ball. But he’s a very balanced OC, and I’m super excited to get to work with him.”
While some may not have loved the hire, it’s clear his players are excited and believe he’s the right man for the job. Ultimately, that’s all that matters.
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