Oklahoma offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle was asked this week about his name surfacing in connection with the open head coaching job at Oklahoma State, and his response was about what you would expect from a coach in the middle of the season.
Arbuckle downplayed the chatter, saying, “I’m flattered that someone would say that to me, but none of that registers in my head. I haven’t thought about being a head coach, and I’m not seeking anything, either. My responsibility is to these kids and Oklahoma.”
In short, it was a non-answer. Arbuckle acknowledged the question without leaning one way or the other, and in doing so left the door wide open for speculation to continue. Coaches rarely give anything away when asked about job rumors in-season, and Arbuckle’s comments fit that mold perfectly. The priority, at least publicly, is to keep focus on the team currently in front of them and avoid becoming a distraction.
Still, it would be naive to think that Arbuckle isn’t on Oklahoma State’s radar. The Cowboys are in the middle of a transition after parting ways with longtime head coach Mike Gundy, and the list of potential replacements is already growing. Arbuckle makes sense as a candidate, given his background as one of the brightest young offensive minds in the country. At just 30 years old, he’s already gained a reputation for building high-powered offenses, including a breakout year at Washington State before landing in the SEC.
What also works in Arbuckle’s favor is familiarity. He grew up in the region, understands the Big 12, and has recruiting ties that would help Oklahoma State maintain and expand its footprint. Programs looking for new leadership often weigh whether to go with a proven veteran or a younger coach who can energize the roster and the fan base. Arbuckle falls firmly into that second category, and the Cowboys may decide that a fresh start with a rising star is the right fit.
For now, though, Arbuckle isn’t giving away much. His comments this week don’t close the book on his candidacy, nor do they confirm any serious conversations. They simply reflect the reality of where we are in the season: rumors are part of the landscape, and answers will come later. Until then, Arbuckle remains a name worth watching in Stillwater.
