Arkansas State Coach Is Being Targeted by Oklahoma for a Defensive Position

As college football programs prepare for the 2025 season, one of the most important decisions for any team is the hiring of assistant coaches, particularly when it comes to the defensive side of the ball. For the Oklahoma Sooners, whose defense has often been a point of contention in recent years, the hiring of a new defensive coordinator or defensive staff member could have significant implications for the program’s future success. Rumors are circulating that Oklahoma is targeting a coach from Arkansas State to bolster their defense, a move that has the potential to shake up the Sooners’ defensive philosophy and strategy.

While Oklahoma’s offense has remained one of the most potent in the country, the Sooners have long struggled to build a consistent and elite defense that can compete with the best in the Big 12 and on the national stage. In the wake of disappointing defensive performances in recent years, Oklahoma’s athletic director Joe Castiglione and head coach Brent Venables have made it a priority to improve the defense, with a focus on finding a coach who can implement a dynamic defensive scheme that fits the program’s high standards.

The target in question is reportedly an assistant coach from Arkansas State, a program that has made strides in recent years under the leadership of head coach Butch Jones. Arkansas State has produced competitive teams in the Sun Belt Conference, and their defensive coaching staff, led by a talented group of defensive minds, has earned recognition for their ability to develop players and build a solid defensive unit. But what makes this Arkansas State coach an attractive target for Oklahoma, and how could his hiring impact the Sooners’ defense?

The Need for Change: Oklahoma’s Defensive Struggles

For much of the past decade, Oklahoma has been known for its explosive offenses, with quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts leading the team to high-scoring victories. However, the defense has often been a point of vulnerability for the Sooners. Despite recruiting some of the nation’s top defensive talent, Oklahoma has been unable to consistently field a defense that can complement its offensive strength.

In recent years, the Sooners have been plagued by poor tackling, missed assignments, and a lack of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. These issues were particularly evident in high-stakes games, such as the College Football Playoff and the Big 12 Championship, where the defense struggled to keep up with elite offenses. Oklahoma’s inability to stop the run and apply consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks has been a major factor in their inability to secure a national championship in recent seasons.

Under the previous defensive coordinator, Alex Grinch, Oklahoma’s defense showed glimpses of improvement but ultimately failed to deliver on a consistent basis. Grinch’s departure after the 2024 season left a void that Oklahoma is eager to fill with someone who can bring a fresh perspective and a more effective approach to stopping opposing offenses.

With Oklahoma continuing to recruit at a high level, it’s clear that the talent is there on the defensive side of the ball. What the Sooners need now is a coach who can develop that talent and implement a system that plays to the team’s strengths. That’s where the Arkansas State coach enters the picture.

The Arkansas State Defensive Coaching Staff

Under head coach Butch Jones, Arkansas State has made significant strides as a program, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Jones, who previously had stints as head coach at Cincinnati and Tennessee, has built a competitive team that consistently contends in the Sun Belt Conference. His coaching staff has also been lauded for its ability to develop players and establish a defense that is disciplined, aggressive, and fundamentally sound.

The Arkansas State defense has been known for its ability to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks, make key stops in critical moments, and create turnovers. This has been especially important for a program like Arkansas State, which competes in a Group of Five conference and faces high-scoring offenses week in and week out. While Arkansas State has not had the same level of recruiting resources as Power Five programs, they have done a remarkable job of developing talent and establishing a defense that competes at a high level.

The coach from Arkansas State being targeted by Oklahoma is likely a key member of the team’s defensive staff, someone with a proven track record of success in areas like defensive line play, pass rush schemes, secondary coverage, and player development. Oklahoma’s defensive struggles in recent years have stemmed from a lack of pressure on the quarterback and an inability to stop the run, and the Arkansas State coach in question could bring a fresh approach to addressing these issues.

Why Oklahoma Is Targeting This Coach

There are several reasons why Oklahoma may be interested in bringing an Arkansas State coach onto their staff. While the program has long been a powerhouse in the Big 12, the Sooners have faced growing competition from teams with strong defensive units, such as Iowa State, Baylor, and Kansas State. In order to reclaim their status as the premier team in the Big 12, Oklahoma needs to solidify its defense, and they’re looking to bring in someone with the expertise to do just that.

1. Proven Success at Developing Players

One of the key factors that make this Arkansas State coach appealing to Oklahoma is his ability to develop defensive players. While Oklahoma has recruited some of the best defensive talent in the nation, their development has not always been up to par. The Sooners have struggled to get consistent production from players on the defensive line, in the linebacker corps, and in the secondary. By hiring a coach who has a proven track record of developing players and getting the most out of them, Oklahoma can address this issue and ensure that its recruits reach their full potential.

2. Strong Defensive Schemes

The Arkansas State defense has been known for its disciplined approach and aggressive play. This type of defensive mentality aligns with the philosophy that Oklahoma is looking for in a new defensive coordinator. The Sooners need a coach who can implement a system that creates pressure on opposing quarterbacks, forces turnovers, and shuts down the run game. The Arkansas State coach has shown an ability to design and execute defensive schemes that disrupt opposing offenses, making him an ideal candidate for the job.

3. Ability to Compete at a High Level with Limited Resources

While Arkansas State may not have the same financial resources or facilities as a Power Five program like Oklahoma, they have managed to field a competitive team by focusing on player development, discipline, and strategic defensive play. This ability to compete at a high level with fewer resources is a quality that would serve Oklahoma well. The Sooners need a coach who can maximize the talent on their roster and elevate their defense to the next level.

4. Familiarity with Aggressive, Fast-Paced Offenses

The Big 12 has become known for its high-scoring, up-tempo offenses, and Oklahoma’s defense must be equipped to handle this challenge. The Arkansas State coach has experience defending against fast-paced offenses, having faced a number of high-scoring teams in the Sun Belt. This experience could prove invaluable when Oklahoma faces off against teams like Texas, Baylor, and Kansas State, all of which run high-octane offenses.

Potential Impact on Oklahoma’s Defense

If Oklahoma successfully brings this Arkansas State coach onto their staff, it could have a significant impact on the program’s defense in both the short and long term. The Sooners will likely adopt a more aggressive and disciplined defensive approach, which could lead to improvements in key areas such as pass rush, coverage, and run defense. With the right coaching, Oklahoma’s defense could finally complement its explosive offense, giving the Sooners the balanced team they need to compete for national championships.

In the immediate future, the hiring of a new defensive coach would also send a message to recruits. Oklahoma is known for producing elite players, but they have struggled to land top-tier defensive talent in recent years. A new defensive staff member with a proven track record of success could help Oklahoma re-establish itself as a destination for top defensive recruits. Players who have been considering Oklahoma but have been hesitant because of concerns about the defense might be more inclined to commit to the program if they see a clear path to development under a new coach.

Additionally, the new defensive coach could help shore up Oklahoma’s weaknesses, particularly in terms of defensive line play and secondary coverage. If Oklahoma can develop a defense that is capable of consistently stopping the run and getting pressure on the quarterback, it will elevate the team to a level where they can compete with the best teams in the nation on both sides of the ball.