Oklahoma
‘Not the Normal New’: What’s Changed (Or Hasn’t) Under New Oklahoma Offensive Coordinator Seth Littrell
Last year when the Sooners took the field to play Arizona in the Alamo Bowl, those in command of the offense had taken control only weeks before. It was a lot of change between the regular-season finale and bowl season.
Quarterback Jackson Arnold got the nod to make his first career start as a freshman after Dillon Gabriel entered the transfer portal. Seth Littrell and Joe Jon Finley were promoted to co-offensive coordinators after Jeff Lebby left the program to become the head coach at Mississippi State.
All that wasn’t for a one-game stint, though. Since, Arnold has been given the reins of the offense as QB1 as a redshirt freshman for the upcoming 2024 season. Littrell and Finley were permanently named co-offensive coordinators, with Littrell getting play calling duties while also serving as quarterbacks coach.
All that change, though, it still doesn’t seem as if much is new for OU’s offense.
“I wouldn’t say there’s a big learning curve for Coach Littrell, but obviously he’s a different person than (Lebby), different personality,” Arnold said. “Maybe calls some things different than Lebby, focuses more on certain things than Lebby would. So I wouldn’t say it’s a learning curve, but, you know, just kind of getting to know Coach Littrell and seeing what he likes, and seeing how he likes to call a game has been big for me this fall camp.”
After playing fullback for the Sooners in 1997-2000 and winning a national championship as a senior, Littrell started his coaching career as a graduate assistant in 2002 at Kansas. He was eventually an offensive coordinator at Arizona, Indiana and North Carolina before getting his first head coaching gig at North Texas, where he led the Mean Green for seven seasons. Ultimately, before the 2023 season, he returned to Norman as an offensive analyst before getting promoted within the year.
“We’re running a lot of the same stuff and it’s just good to be back with him and kind of just picked up right where we left off,” said tight end Jake Roberts, who played under Littrell at UNT for three seasons before transferring to Baylor after Littrell was dismissed.
“Some of the same stuff, similar concepts, a lot of different verbiage. Some similar stuff, some different stuff, but it’s all good.”
The last time Littrell was an OC in 2015 for North Carolina, the Tar Heels averaged 40.7 points a game. This is when you see Littrell’s fullback roots shine through. Most of UNC’s production that season came on the ground with 3,142 rushing yards on the season, averaging 224.4 a game. Just over 55% of the Tar Heels’ offensive plays that season were runs. For comparison, the 2023 Sooners ran the ball about 53% of the time, still having a balanced attack that leaned just slightly on the run.
“It’s not anything crazy,” running back Jovntae Barnes said. “This team has been together for a couple of years. It’s making sure everyone is on the same page. The No. 1 thing is that and he’s been doing a good job with that.
In his first season back as an offensive coordinator with a redshirt freshman quarterback leading his offense, Littrell so far hasn’t reinvented the wheel during OU’s fall camp. He was part of last year’s offense that averaged 41.69 points a game and returns talent like Barnes and Gavin Sawchuk at running back. Although, that was in the Big 12, not the SEC, and only four starters of more than six games return for 2024.
“They’re new, but it’s not the normal new,” OU coach Brent Venables said. “They’re not unfamiliar. These are guys that have been there offensively, systematically and there’s a natural cohesion there. The relationships are real with coach (Bill) Bedenbaugh, coach (DeMarco) Murray and coach (Emmett) Jones. So it’s not like you’re having to gel that, if you will. Don’t ever take that for granted. But that’s a group of guys that have, in many ways, grown up in the profession together.”
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is competing once again in the American Association of State Troopers’ Best Looking Cruiser Contest, this time showcasing the agency’s history alongside its modern fleet.
The entry features OHP’s restored 1937 Ford patrol car paired with a current Chevrolet Tahoe, highlighting nearly nine decades of the agency’s patrol vehicle tradition.
OHP highlights historic patrol car
According to OHP, the contest entry celebrates the agency’s original 1937 Ford patrol car and its connection to the modern Chevrolet Tahoe used by troopers today.
The agency says the iconic black-and-white “dovetail” paint scheme debuted on the 1937 Ford, with the white paint wrapping over the rear wheel wells. OHP says that design became the foundation for the look that continues to represent the agency today.
How voting works
The Best Looking Cruiser Contest is decided by public vote here.
OHP says each device is allowed one vote, and every vote is important as the agency competes against perennial favorites for a chance to earn a spot in the 2027 American Association of State Troopers calendar.
Looking to improve on last year
Oklahoma finished eighth in the nation in last year’s Best Looking Cruiser Contest.
The agency is hoping this year’s entry featuring both its historic 1937 Ford and modern Chevrolet Tahoe will help improve its finish and secure a place in the 2027 calendar.
“As Route 66 celebrates its 100th birthday, we wanted to honor the most iconic highway in America and the Oklahoma Troopers who have patrolled it for generations,” OHP said. “Since 1937, Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troopers have traveled its pavement, assisted stranded motorists, investigated crashes, enforced traffic laws, and answered calls for service along the Mother Road. Route 66 isn’t just a historic highway to us—it’s part of our history.”
In this week’s Your Vote Counts, Oklahoma’s Own Scott Mitchell leads Jason Dunnington and Sen. Paul Rosino in a discussion about new Oklahoma laws, including those addressing data centers. Other topics include inflation and the ongoing impact of the war in Iran.
Looking for the perfect spot to celebrate Independence Day in Oklahoma this year? From massive fireworks displays over Grand Lake to food truck festivals and live music across the OKC metro, communities are pulling out all the stops to celebrate the Declaration of Independence. Grab your lawn chairs, round up the family, and get ready for an unforgettable week of summer fun. Here is your ultimate guide to the best Fourth of July events happening right in your backyard!
Key takeaways
- The bigger picture: Oklahoma communities are going all out for Independence Day in 2026, with celebrations spanning from Norman’s four-day Fourth Fest to major fireworks displays in Edmond, Tulsa, and on Grand Lake — giving families across the state plenty of options close to home.
- More details: Highlights include Liberty Fest in Edmond, one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area, the Duck Creek Fireworks on Grand Lake featuring a War Bird flyover tribute synchronized to patriotic music, and Tribute to Liberty in Midwest City, which combines live music, a laser show, and fireworks in honor of the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary.
- Why this matters: This year’s celebrations carry extra weight as part of America’s semiquincentennial, with several events — including Tribute to Liberty and the Duck Creek Fireworks — built around honoring both the nation’s founding and the service members who’ve defended it.
- Date: 9:45 p.m. July 1-4
- Location: Reaves Park; 2501 S Jenkins Ave., Norman
This year’s Fourth Fest is bigger than ever before, spanning four days. The city has added additional programming across multiple parks. Before the fireworks, enjoy a wide range of attractions including bouncy houses, local vendors, food trucks, pony rides, and a petting zoo. The fireworks show begins at 9:45 p.m. on July 4.
- Date: 8:30 p.m. July 3
- Location: Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St., Oklahoma City
OKCPHIL’s Red, White, and Boom concert is a high-energy celebration that brings the community together for an unforgettable summer evening of music. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic performs a vibrant program of American classics, fan favorites, and patriotic anthems.
- Date: 6-10 p.m. July 3
- Location: Boomer Lake Park; 2310 E Lakeview Road, Stillwater
This Independence Day celebration will include area vendors, food trucks, hometown hospitality, and a fireworks show. Free parking will be available at Stillwater High School’s Pioneer Stadium.
- Date: July 3-4
- Location: Yukon City Park & Chisholm Trail Park, 2200 S Holly Ave., Yukon
Bring the whole family to Freedom Fest in Yukon! Experience a lineup of live outdoor concerts, peruse the food trucks on site, and enjoy the activities for kids.
- Date: 2-10 p.m. July 4
- Location: Buck Thomas Park, 1903 NE 12th St., Moore
Enjoy one of the largest fireworks shows in the state with food trucks, vendors, and activities throughout the day. Admission is free. Fireworks will begin around 9:45 p.m.
- Date: 7-10 p.m. July 4
- Location: Joe B. Barnes Regional Park, 8700 E Reno Ave., Midwest City
Bring your chairs and join Midwest City in its celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Enjoy food trucks, games, The Wise Guys performing live on stage, a huge fireworks display, and a laser show.
- Date: 9:30 p.m. July 4
- Location: University of Central Oklahoma; 100 N University Drive, Edmond
Liberty Fest’s grand finale is one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area. Bring your entire family to witness the spectacular show. Parking is available in lots on campus.
- Date: July 4
- Location: Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, 32888 S 4507 Road, No. 8123, Afton
Duck Creek Fireworks is the longest-running tradition on Grand Lake. Keep an eye out for the highly anticipated War Bird flyover, a tribute to the men and women serving overseas. The fireworks, beginning at sunset, will be synchronized to patriotic music.
- Date: July 4
- Location: River West Festival Park, 2100 S Jackson Ave., Tulsa
Celebrate America’s independence at Tulsa’s annual FreedomFest celebration. This celebration includes all-ages entertainment and a variety of activities and tasty concessions. FreedomFest features one of the largest free fireworks displays in Oklahoma.
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