The Oklahoma Sooners are expected to replace tight ends coach Joe Jon Finley, according to George Stoia of SoonerScoop.com. Stoya cited sources within the program.
The tight end position has largely accomplished little during Finley’s tenure. He begins 2021 as tight ends coach. Despite both Brayden Willis and Jalen Canak having breakout seasons, the position has been lackluster in 2022 and 2023, and Finley’s recruiting efforts haven’t come to fruition.
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Willis was a commit prior to Finley’s arrival, and Canak converted from linebacker to linebacker in the offseason. But blue-chip players like Kaden Helms or Davon Mitchell never found success at Oklahoma. Helms has struggled with injuries throughout his career, while Mitchell struggled with off-field issues before ultimately transferring.
As Stoya pointed out, Finley’s high school recruit had just nine catches for 84 yards and two touchdowns in five seasons in Norman. Portal additions like Austin Stogner, Ball Sharpe, Carson Kent, Will Huggins and John Locke didn’t really shine either. Sharpe is the best of the group, but he’s a converted quarterback who’s difficult to block in the run game.
Finley served as co-offensive coordinator and play-caller during the 2024 season after Seth Littrell was fired midseason. He helped put together a win over Alabama, but the tight end position never developed under Finley.
It will be interesting to see how Brent Venables and Jim Nagy decide to replace Finley. Kevin Wilson, named the offensive analyst for the 2025 class, served as tight ends coach at Oklahoma State and Ohio State during a long tenure as an assistant. Offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle also could be allowed to bring in his own guys. When he joined, he inherited the Oklahoma State offense.
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The Sooners need answers soon, with the transfer portal opening on January 2nd and a need that the Sooners should address.
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Sooners relocating from Joe Jon Finley, reports SoonerScoop