Oklahoma Sooners Part Ways with Defensive Coordinator Ted Roof After Defensive Struggles
NORMAN, Okla. — In a move signaling a significant shift within the Oklahoma Sooners football program, defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Ted Roof was relieved of his duties on Thursday. This decision comes on the heels of a season characterized by a promising start for the Sooners’ defense, followed by notable struggles towards the latter part of the campaign.
Head coach Brent Venables conveyed in a press release that he personally informed Roof of the decision to terminate his role as defensive coordinator. Additionally, Venables extended an offer for Roof to continue with the program in a different capacity, which Roof ultimately declined.
Roof’s tenure with the Sooners, spanning his second season, witnessed marked improvements in certain defensive metrics. Notably, Oklahoma secured the second position nationally in interceptions, tallying an impressive 20 interceptions, and ranked sixth in takeaways with 26 turnovers forced.
The early stages of the season showcased defensive prowess as the Sooners limited their initial five opponents to 20 points or fewer. A highlight of their campaign included a pivotal victory over Texas, which stood as the Longhorns’ sole regular-season defeat, propelling the Sooners to a 6-0 record.
However, the latter part of the season painted a different picture as the Sooners encountered setbacks, notably losses to Kansas and Oklahoma State. The defensive unit faltered in a high-scoring affair against TCU, surrendering a substantial 520 yards in a 69-45 victory in the regular-season finale.
Roof’s tenure culminated in a disappointing 38-24 loss to Arizona in the Alamo Bowl. Arizona’s quarterback Noah Fifita amassed 354 passing yards and two touchdowns, underscoring the defensive challenges faced by the Sooners in their final outing under Roof’s guidance.
Looking ahead, the Sooners are poised for significant changes as they transition from the Big 12 Conference to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in the upcoming season. With new coordinators slated for both offensive and defensive units, the program is undergoing a strategic overhaul to address recent shortcomings and adapt to the competitive landscape of the SEC.
Prior to the Alamo Bowl, the Sooners announced the promotion of Seth Littrell, previously serving as an offensive analyst, to the role of offensive coordinator. Littrell’s elevation fills the void left by Jeff Lebby, who departed to assume the head coaching position at Mississippi State. Additionally, the Sooners have appointed Joe Jon Finley, the tight ends coach, to the role of co-offensive coordinator, signaling a commitment to internal promotions and continuity within the coaching staff.
In summary, Ted Roof’s departure as defensive coordinator marks a pivotal moment for the Oklahoma Sooners football program. As they prepare for a new chapter in the SEC, the Sooners are tasked with addressing defensive deficiencies and forging a path towards sustained success in the competitive landscape of collegiate football.
