Curtis Lofton stepping down as GM of Oklahoma football

Oklahoma football GM Curtis Lofton is stepping down from his position, he revealed on Thursday. He was hired into the program in 2022 and took over as GM ahead of the 2024 season.

Lofton announced the decision in a post on Facebook.

“Everyone at some point in their lives has achieved something great,” his statement read. “And if you trace the journey, you’d realize it wasn’t ‘luck.’ There was a series of decisions and actions along the way that led to that achievement. But most people mistake achieving something great for GREATNESS. There’s a huge distinction. Greatness has no destination. It’s not about the result; it’s about the process – the journey.

“Showing up every single day, with discipline and commitment – even when it’s hard, even when no one’s watching. But that commitment can ONLY happen when you’re doing something you love. In saying that, I have decided to step away from being the General Manager at OU, effective immediately, with my last day being February 1st. I am pursuing ministry and striving for true greatness by creating impact for the Kingdom.”

Lofton continued his statement by thanking those who have helped him throughout his time as a Sooner.

“I want to take this moment to thank Athletic Director Joe Castiglione, President Joe Harroz, and Head Coach Brent Venables for their unwavering support, leadership, and guidance,” his statement continued. “They’ve been instrumental in shaping my journey, and I am forever grateful for their influence in my life.

“As D.L. Moody said, ‘Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter.’ I am stepping into this next chapter with the conviction that true greatness is found in eternal impact, and I am ready to embrace that calling.”

As GM, Lofton helped develop recruitment strategies, identifying prospects, roster management, monitor NIL activity, ensure compliance with existing NCAA and/or conference guidelines, provide educational resources to student-athletes

Develop and implement comprehensive recruitment strategies, leveraging data-driven insights and industry best practices to identify promising prospects and personnel operations, as well as roster management and scouting initiatives regarding NIL requirements and regulations.

Now, the Sooners will now begin a search to find a new general manager for their football program. The move from Lofton was expected.