Wilson's promotion and DeLand McCullough's arrival signal a serious commitment to revamping the Oklahoma Sooners' struggling run game
In an under-the-radar move you may have missed, the Oklahoma Sooners promoted veteran coach Kevin Wilson to Assistant Head Coach for Offense this offseason. The announcement, subtly embedded in a recent press release about new hires, underscores head coach Brent Venables' commitment to addressing the team's offensive shortcomings, particularly in the running game, as they gear up for the 2026 season.
Wilson, who returned to Norman last year as a senior offensive analyst, has reportedly been hands-on with the offensive line since his arrival, providing a steadying influence on a unit that struggled mightily in 2025.
Wilson's elevated role comes at a critical juncture for Oklahoma. After a season where the Sooners averaged a dismal 118.5 rushing yards per game – a figure that ranked near the bottom of the SEC – the program is emphasizing physicality and efficiency on the ground. Much of that yardage last year came from quarterback John Mateer, whose scrambling ability masked deeper issues in the backfield and along the line.
With Mateer shouldering a significant portion of the load, the running backs room underperformed, and the offensive line's run blocking was inconsistent at best. For OU to contend in the rugged SEC and make a deep run in the expanded College Football Playoff, these areas must see dramatic improvement.
Joining Wilson in this offensive overhaul is newly hired running backs coach DeLand McCullough, a familiar face from Wilson's past. McCullough, who boasts a Super Bowl ring from his time with the Kansas City Chiefs, previously coached under Wilson at Indiana from 2011 to 2016.
Their reunion in Norman is no coincidence; Wilson personally recommended McCullough to Venables when the position opened up. McCullough's track record includes developing talents like Ashton Jeanty and Jeremiyah Love, and his expertise is expected to inject life into OU's backfield.
"Deland brings a wealth of experience and a proven ability to develop elite running backs," Venables said in the official announcement. Together, they'll aim to transform a unit that lacked explosiveness last season.
The collaborative effort extends beyond Wilson and McCullough. Offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, entering his second year, will continue calling plays, but Wilson's promotion suggests he'll have a more prominent voice in strategy and personnel decisions.
Tight ends coach Jason Witten, the former Dallas Cowboys star turned mentor, brings NFL pedigree to the blocking schemes. Meanwhile, longtime offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh remains a cornerstone, tasked with elevating a group that allowed too many pressures and failed to create consistent lanes. This coaching quintet – Wilson, McCullough, Arbuckle, Witten, and Bedenbaugh – represents a blend of experience, innovation, and grit, all aligned toward one goal: getting the running game untracked.
At the heart of this revival are the returning running backs: Xavier Robinson and Tory Blaylock. Robinson, a versatile junior, showed flashes of potential last year with his speed and vision, while Blaylock provides a power element that could complement a more balanced attack.
With McCullough's guidance, these two could form a dynamic duo, but their success hinges on improved protection and scheming from the line. Wilson's hands-on work with the offensive line – a role he assumed informally upon his return – is already paying dividends in spring practices, where emphasis on technique and cohesion has been evident. His salary bump to $500,000 reflects the trust Venables places in him to spearhead these changes.
Wilson's resume speaks volumes about his capability to lead this turnaround. A Norman native in coaching terms, he served as Oklahoma's offensive coordinator from 2002 to 2010 under Bob Stoops, orchestrating high-powered attacks that powered multiple national title apperances.
His head coaching stints at Indiana (2011-2016) and Tulsa (2023-2024) honed his leadership skills, even if the win-loss records were mixed. At Indiana, he turned around a moribund program, boosting offensive output and developing pros. His return to OU last year was a homecoming, and this promotion feels like a natural progression for a coach with deep ties to the program's glory days.
As the Sooners transition into spring ball, the spotlight will be on this revamped offensive staff. Venables, fresh off guiding OU back to the playoff in 2025 despite offensive woes, knows that SEC dominance requires a multifaceted attack.
"We're building something special here," Venables noted. With Wilson's expanded responsibilities, McCullough's arrival, and a talented core of coaches and players,
Oklahoma is poised to shed its run-game deficiencies and emerge as a true contender in 2026. The proof, as always, will be on the field – but the foundation is being laid in Norman right now.