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14h ago

Reports: Oklahoma to Dismiss Tight Ends Coach Joe Jon Finley

The reported move follows offensive struggles, positioning Oklahoma to retool before the transfer portal opens.

NORMAN, OK - OCTOBER 15: Head coach Brent Venables and running backs coach L'Damian Washington listen as tight ends coach Joe Jon Finley calls a play for quarterback Dillon Gabriel #8 of the Oklahoma Sooners against the Kansas Jayhawks in the final minute at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on October 15, 2022 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma won 52-42. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Nov 30, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables looks on against the LSU Tigers during the fourth quarter at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Multiple outlets including SoonerScoop, 247Sports and Yahoo report Joe Jon Finley is expected to be let go, with no official university announcement yet.
  • Finley joined Oklahoma in 2021, called plays late in 2024 as co-offensive coordinator, and returned to tight ends duties in 2025.
  • Reports cite lagging development and recruiting at tight end, with high school signees combining for nine catches for 84 yards over five seasons and transfers contributing inconsistently.
  • The timing tracks with Oklahoma’s 34-24 College Football Playoff loss to Alabama on Dec. 19, after which Brent Venables stressed that the offense must improve.
  • Venables and GM Jim Nagy are evaluating internal and external candidates with input expected from OC Ben Arbuckle, with urgency heightened by expected pass-catcher turnover and the Jan. 2 portal window.