Ben Arbuckle Makes First Staff Moves as Oklahoma Offensive Coordinator, Hires Familiar Assistant to Coach Quarterbacks
In what marks a pivotal moment for the Oklahoma Sooners football program, newly appointed Offensive Coordinator Ben Arbuckle has made his first major staff moves since taking over the role. As part of his efforts to reshape and elevate Oklahoma’s offense, Arbuckle has hired a familiar face to assume the responsibility of coaching the Sooners’ quarterbacks. This move not only signals a new direction for the Sooners offense under Arbuckle’s leadership but also highlights his commitment to continuity and strategic development at the quarterback position.
Ben Arbuckle’s Arrival in Norman
Ben Arbuckle’s hiring as Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator in early 2024 was met with great anticipation. A rising star in the world of college football coaching, Arbuckle’s success at Western Kentucky, where he spent the past several years as offensive coordinator, made him an attractive hire for a program with high aspirations like Oklahoma. Under his guidance, Western Kentucky’s offense became one of the most prolific in the nation, with a high-octane passing attack that set numerous records. His success with quarterbacks and offensive scheming caught the eye of Oklahoma’s athletic department, who were eager to rejuvenate their offensive scheme following a transition period after the departure of former offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby.
Arbuckle’s reputation for developing quarterbacks and his ability to design innovative, fast-paced offenses aligns well with the goals of Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables, who is looking to return the program to national prominence following a period of relative inconsistency. With a legacy of success built on explosive offenses, the Sooners need an offensive leader who can harness the talents of Oklahoma’s skilled players and maximize the potential of the quarterback position.
The Importance of the Quarterback Position in Oklahoma’s Offense
The quarterback position has always been a focal point at Oklahoma, a program that has produced some of the most talented quarterbacks in college football history. From Heisman winners like Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray to future NFL stars like Jalen Hurts, the Sooners have a long tradition of outstanding quarterback play. This tradition is something that Arbuckle must now uphold and further develop.
In his new role, Arbuckle has made it clear that the quarterback position will be a cornerstone of his offensive system. His offensive scheme, which blends spread principles with a commitment to vertical passing and up-tempo pace, will require a quarterback who can not only distribute the ball effectively but also make quick decisions under pressure. This is why securing a capable and experienced quarterbacks coach was Arbuckle’s first priority upon arriving in Norman.
Arbuckle’s Decision to Hire a Familiar Assistant
In a move that emphasizes both continuity and a deep understanding of his offensive philosophy, Arbuckle has chosen to bring in an assistant coach who is already familiar with his system and vision. The new quarterbacks coach is none other than Kyle Scherer, a trusted member of Arbuckle’s staff at Western Kentucky. Scherer has earned a reputation as one of the top quarterbacks coaches in the country, and his relationship with Arbuckle dates back to their time together at Western Kentucky, where Scherer served as the passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach under Arbuckle.
Scherer’s familiarity with Arbuckle’s offensive philosophy and his success in developing quarterbacks made him the natural choice to take on the critical role of guiding Oklahoma’s quarterbacks. The two have worked closely together for several years, and Arbuckle is confident that Scherer will bring the same level of success to Norman that he did in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Kyle Scherer’s Coaching Background and Track Record
Kyle Scherer is a highly regarded coach who has been instrumental in the development of several standout quarterbacks throughout his career. His work with Western Kentucky quarterbacks, particularly his development of record-setting passer Austin Reed, was a key reason for the Hilltoppers’ offensive success during Scherer’s tenure. Under Scherer’s guidance, Reed set multiple school records, including marks for passing yards and touchdowns, and was widely regarded as one of the most efficient quarterbacks in college football.
Scherer’s ability to develop quarterbacks is not limited to just one position or style of play. He has worked with both pocket passers and dual-threat quarterbacks, tailoring his coaching approach to each quarterback’s unique skill set. His expertise in the passing game, combined with his ability to build strong relationships with his players, makes him an ideal fit for Oklahoma’s high-powered offense.
One of Scherer’s most notable achievements at Western Kentucky was his ability to adapt his system to fit the strengths of his quarterbacks. He doesn’t rely on a one-size-fits-all approach; instead, he works closely with his quarterbacks to refine their mechanics, decision-making, and leadership skills. His ability to instill confidence in his quarterbacks and push them to reach their full potential is one of the reasons he’s considered one of the rising stars in college football coaching.
The Impact on Oklahoma’s Quarterback Room
With Scherer’s arrival, the Sooners’ quarterback room is set for a significant transformation. Oklahoma already has a talented group of quarterbacks, but Scherer’s coaching will be key to unlocking their full potential. The Sooners’ quarterback room for 2024 includes returning players like Dillon Gabriel, who has been a steady performer for Oklahoma in recent seasons, and highly touted recruits like Jackson Arnold, a freshman phenom who was one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2024 recruiting class.
Gabriel, a transfer from UCF, has shown flashes of brilliance in his time with Oklahoma, but his consistency and development as a leader will be crucial to Oklahoma’s success moving forward. Under Scherer’s tutelage, Gabriel will have the opportunity to refine his mechanics, improve his decision-making, and become more comfortable with Arbuckle’s offensive scheme. Scherer’s ability to work with quarterbacks at all levels of development will be invaluable to Gabriel as he looks to make a leap in his final season with the Sooners.
For freshman Jackson Arnold, Scherer’s expertise will be equally vital. As one of the highest-rated quarterbacks in the 2024 recruiting class, Arnold comes to Oklahoma with a great deal of promise. However, transitioning to college football can be challenging for even the most talented quarterbacks, and having a coach who understands how to develop young quarterbacks will be crucial in helping Arnold adapt to the speed and complexity of the college game. Scherer’s reputation for developing quarterbacks who are poised, accurate, and quick-thinking makes him an ideal coach to help Arnold realize his potential.
The presence of Scherer in the quarterback room also provides an added layer of stability and mentorship for the other quarterbacks on the roster. As a coach who has worked with quarterbacks of all levels, Scherer will ensure that each player has a clear understanding of what is expected of them, regardless of whether they are competing for the starting job or serving as a backup.
Arbuckle and Scherer’s Vision for the Offense
Arbuckle’s offensive philosophy emphasizes a balanced attack with a heavy focus on the passing game. The Sooners’ offense will look to stretch the field vertically while maintaining the ability to exploit mismatches with quick throws in the short and intermediate ranges. Arbuckle’s goal is to make the offense unpredictable, blending elements of traditional passing game concepts with modern spread principles.
For the quarterbacks, this means that Scherer will work with them not only on their ability to make deep throws but also on their ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and process information rapidly. Scherer’s experience in developing quarterbacks who thrive in a high-tempo system will be crucial as Oklahoma looks to increase the speed and pace of play. With the ability to both stretch defenses with deep shots and maintain precision in short-to-medium throws, the Sooners’ offense could become one of the most dynamic in college football.
The combination of Arbuckle’s offensive vision and Scherer’s quarterback development expertise could be a recipe for success. By creating an offense that plays to the strengths of his quarterbacks, Arbuckle hopes to produce an attack that is explosive and efficient, all while keeping opposing defenses on their heels. For Oklahoma’s quarterbacks, this means being able to read defenses quickly, make accurate throws under pressure, and be versatile in their approach to the game.
Recruiting and Future Outlook
One of the other significant benefits of Scherer’s hiring is his ability to recruit at a high level. As a coach with a proven track record of developing quarterbacks into elite players, Scherer’s reputation will likely help attract top quarterback talent to Oklahoma in future recruiting cycles. With Oklahoma’s offensive system poised to become one of the most exciting in college football, Scherer’s presence on the staff will be a key selling point for recruits who want to play in a dynamic and quarterback-friendly offense.
As Arbuckle and Scherer continue to build their offensive foundation at Oklahoma, the Sooners are positioning themselves for success in both the short and long term. With a potent mix of veteran talent and promising young quarterbacks, Oklahoma’s offensive future looks bright, and Scherer’s hiring is an important first step in getting the program back to national title contention.
Conclusion
Ben Arbuckle’s first staff move as Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator — hiring Kyle Scherer to coach quarterbacks — is a strategic decision that highlights his commitment to developing a high-powered offense and ensuring that Oklahoma’s quarterback position remains one of the best in the nation. With Scherer’s extensive experience and proven track record of success, the Sooners’ quarterback room is in good hands. As Oklahoma continues to make strides under Arbuckle’s leadership, the impact of Scherer’s coaching on the development of quarterbacks like Dillon Gabriel and Jackson Arnold could be the key to the Sooners’ success in the coming years.
With a retooled offense and a focus on quarterback development, Oklahoma is poised to return to its place among the elite programs in college football. The hiring of Scherer is just the beginning, and it sets the stage for what could be an exciting and highly productive era of offensive football for the Sooners.
