Oklahoma Sooners offensive coordinator targets

NCAA Football

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Oklahoma coach Brent Venables walks off he field after the Red River Rivalry college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Texas Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. Texas one 34-3.
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables walks off he field after the Red River Rivalry college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Texas Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. Texas one 34-3.

The Oklahoma Sooners made the difficult decision to part ways with offensive coordinator and play caller Seth Littrell on Sunday evening. The Sooners retained co-offensive coordinator Joe Jon Finley, who will take over playcalling duties on gameday. He now has a new co-offensive coordinator in promoted analyst and former Duke offensive coordinator Kevin Johns.

The Sooners need to turn around the offense. So much of how the remainder of this season goes will determine the course of the Oklahoma Football program. If Oklahoma finds some success on offense and pulls off some upsets along the way, they may have there answer as to who takes over on a full time basis.

however if the offense continues to struggle or gets worse, the Sooners will have to look outside Norman for their next offensive coordinator.

Joe Jon Finley, Oklahoma offensive coordinator

Oklahoma's Joe Jon Finley walks on the field before a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Oklahoma’s Joe Jon Finley walks on the field before a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Though he’s been a part of the Oklahoma Sooners struggles, Joe Jon Finley will get the first opportunity to audition for the job over the final five games of the season. If they can show a far more productive offense, the Sooners will give Finley a chance to interview for the job.

Brennan Marion, UNLV Offensive Coordinator

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 08: Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Brennan Marion of the UNLV Rebels looks on during the team's spring showcase scrimmage at Allegiant Stadium on April 08, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 08: Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Brennan Marion of the UNLV Rebels looks on during the team’s spring showcase scrimmage at Allegiant Stadium on April 08, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Brennan Marion became a hot name after the 2023 season due to his success at UNLV. That momentum hasn’t slowed down in the least. Marion and his “Go-Go” offense is averaging 43.6 points per game this season, even amid the Matt Sluka issue after the Rebels wins over Houston and Kansas in the first three weeks. They’ve also beaten Oregon State and haven’t missed a beat while changing quarterbacks.

Marion will be one of the hottest names in coaching searches this offseason and should get a look from the Oklahoma Sooners.

Mike Shanahan, Indiana Offensive Coordinator and Wide Receivers Coach

Indiana University Offensive Coordinator Mike Shanahan instructs players during fall practice at the Mellencamp Pavilion at Indiana University on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024. Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK
Indiana University Offensive Coordinator Mike Shanahan instructs players during fall practice at the Mellencamp Pavilion at Indiana University on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024. Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK

Speaking of names that will be at the top of everyone’s offensive coordinator wish list is Indiana OC Mike Shanahan. The Hoosiers are having an incredible season, are undefeated, and are leading the nation in points per game at 48.7.

He’s had incredible success with the Hoosiers and before that as James Madison’s offensive coordinator from 2021 to 2023, helping the Dukes transition to FBS football where they averaged 37 and 34 points per game in 2022 and 2023.

Tino Sunseri, Indiana Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach

Indiana University Quarterbacks Coach Tino Sunseri instucts players during fall practice at the Mellencamp Pavilion at Indiana University on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024. Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK
Indiana University Quarterbacks Coach Tino Sunseri instucts players during fall practice at the Mellencamp Pavilion at Indiana University on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024. Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK

Tino Sunseri was also at James Madison with Shanahan and has helped the Hoosiers to a great start to the 2024 season. Before that, he was on staff with Florida State, Tennessee, and Alabama.

Willy Korn, Liberty Offensive Coordinator

Oct 27, 2007; College Park, MD, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Willy Korn (3) walks off the field after defeating the Maryland Terrapins at Chevy Chase Bank Field at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 27, 2007; College Park, MD, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Willy Korn (3) walks off the field after defeating the Maryland Terrapins at Chevy Chase Bank Field at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

Like Marion, Willy Korn was a name that came up last offseason in offensive coordinator searches. At both Coastal Carolina and now at Liberty, Korn has helped both schools put up big numbers on offense. Over the last two seasons, Liberty has averaged 38 and 33 points per game. He’s followed Jamey Chadwell to multiple stops, so he may be difficult to pry away, but he’s a talented young coach.

Kade Bell, Pittsburgh Offensive Coordinator

Aug 31, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers offensive coordinator Kade Bell looks at his play chart against the Kent State Golden Flashes during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 31, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers offensive coordinator Kade Bell looks at his play chart against the Kent State Golden Flashes during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Kade Bell may not be a name many people recognize, but he’s been a productive offensive coordinator at various levels of college football. He’s currently leading a Pitt offense that is averaging 40.8 points per game, which is 10th in the nation for the 6-0 Panthers. Quarterback Eli Holstein is completing 63.5% of his passes and has thrown for 1,700 yards and five touchdowns this season.

In his first stint as an offensive coordinator, he led Valdosta State to a record-breaking season and a Division II national championship in 2018.

This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma Sooners offensive coordinator targets

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