Sooners Part Ways with Co-Offensive Coordinator Seth Littrell
In a surprising move, the University of Oklahoma has parted ways with co-offensive coordinator Seth Littrell, marking a significant change in the Sooners’ coaching staff. Littrell, who had returned to Norman in a dual role after a successful stint as the head coach at North Texas, is no longer with the program as the team looks to restructure its offensive strategy.
Littrell, a former Sooner player and coach, was brought in to work alongside offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby. The decision to dismiss him comes as the Sooners’ offense, despite flashes of brilliance, struggled with inconsistency during key moments this season. With Oklahoma striving to maintain its high standards in both conference and national competition, the move signals a desire for renewed leadership in offensive planning.
Littrell’s Coaching Background
Seth Littrell has a strong history with Oklahoma. As a running back for the Sooners from 1997-2000, Littrell helped lead the team to a national championship under then-head coach Bob Stoops. After his playing days, Littrell transitioned into coaching, where he quickly made a name for himself as an innovative offensive mind.
Before rejoining Oklahoma’s staff, Littrell served as the head coach at the University of North Texas from 2016 to 2022, where he built a reputation for offensive ingenuity. Under his leadership, the Mean Green reached several bowl games, and Littrell’s ability to develop quarterbacks and design potent offensive schemes made him a sought-after coordinator. His return to Norman was seen as a homecoming, with hopes that he would bolster the Sooners’ offensive attack.
Offensive Struggles Lead to Change
The Sooners began the 2024 season with high expectations, especially given their rich history and strong recruiting classes. However, inconsistent performances on offense have been a point of concern, particularly in games where Oklahoma faced tough defensive competition. Littrell’s influence on the offense, while respected, did not translate into the kind of dominant play many fans and analysts expected.
Head coach Brent Venables, in his second season at the helm, likely saw this decision as necessary to jump-start an offense that has occasionally sputtered in big moments. While the Sooners have shown flashes of brilliance, including explosive plays and standout individual performances, the lack of consistency led to mounting pressure for changes on the coaching staff.
Moving Forward
The departure of Littrell means that Jeff Lebby will likely take on more responsibility in shaping Oklahoma’s offensive identity moving forward. Lebby, who has a strong reputation as an offensive coordinator from his time at Ole Miss, will need to ensure that the Sooners’ offense remains dynamic, especially as they prepare for the upcoming transition to the SEC.
For Littrell, this dismissal might be a temporary setback in an otherwise successful career. His experience and offensive philosophy could land him another prominent role in college football, whether as a coordinator or potentially even as a head coach again.
Conclusion
As the Sooners continue to chase championship aspirations, Seth Littrell’s exit highlights the high stakes and expectations that come with being part of one of college football’s premier programs. While Littrell’s legacy as both a player and coach at Oklahoma remains intact, his departure is a clear sign that the Sooners are seeking immediate improvement and are willing to make tough decisions to stay competitive at the national level.
For fans, all eyes will now be on how Oklahoma’s offense evolves in the wake of this coaching shake-up, with the team’s long-term goals remaining squarely in focus: competing for Big 12 titles and national championships.
