Jeff Lebby accepts Mississippi State head coaching job
Oklahoma offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby is headed to Starkville.
According to sources, Lebby will be the next head coach at Mississippi State. Lebby has been OU’s offensive coordinator the past two years, helping the Sooners become one of the most explosive offenses in the country.
Lebby interviewed for the job on Wednesday and was asked about his candidacy for the position on Friday, following OU’s 69-45 win over TCU. He was offered the job on Saturday.
“There’s a time and a place for all of it,” Lebby said. “I had great focus on today, finishing the regular season here at home today. And hopefully the chips fall in our favor and we get to go play next week. So, we’ll see about that. That’s about it.”
The chips, however, did not fall in OU’s favor the rest of the way. It will be Oklahoma State vs. Texas in the Big 12 championship next weekend. The Sooners, 10-2 overall and 7-2 in Big 12 play, await their bowl destination next weekend.
Head coach Brent Venables was also asked about Lebby potential leaving for Mississippi State.
“I want all my guys to have opportunities,” said Venables when asked by SoonerScoop. “And I’ll support them in whatever way I can. My charge to all the staff is — everything has its time. Some of its not ideal time. Stay focused and locked into what we gotta do and that’s what our players deserve. Adn I don’t be a distraction. But I’m for all my guys having an opportunity to advance their careers.”
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Lebby has a close connection to Mississippi State, working with Bulldogs athletics director Zac Selmon, who was an associate athletics director at OU when Lebby was hired.
During his time at OU, Lebby helped the Sooners have one of the most efficient offenses in the country. This season, they ranked fourth in scoring offense and seventh in total offense. The Sooners averaged 43 points per game, 502 yards per contest and 6.7 yards per play this season.
OU will now be in the market for an offensive coordinator. It’s unclear how the Sooners will go about their search for a playcaller, but many believe current offensive analyst and former North Texas head coach Seth Littrell will be one of the candidates for the position. The other question that remains is if any players or offensive assistants will follow Lebby to Starkville.
All of those questions will soon be answered, but for now, OU is without an offensive coordinator as it heads into bowl season.
