Jeff Lebby

OU football offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby before the game against BYU on Nov. 18.

 Olivia Lauter/OU Daily

Oklahoma offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby is leaving the school to become the head coach at Mississippi State.

ESPN reported the news on Sunday. Yahoo Sports previously reported the two sides were close to a deal on Saturday night.

Lebby accepted the job two days after the No. 13 Sooners completed their 2023 regular season with a 69-45 win over TCU.Ā 

ESPN reported it's a five-year deal for Lebby.

Lebby took over Oklahoma's offense last season. During his two years, the Sooners' offense ranked No. 33 in 2022 and No. 4 in 2023 nationally. The Sooners finished 10-2 this season.

Jackson Arnold's father, Todd, told OU Daily the news doesn't affect the freshman quarterback's commitment to the school.

"It doesn't affect Jackson. He plays for OU," he wrote in a text.

Lebby signed a three-year contract when he arrived in Norman worth $5.7 million. His contract was extended in March until 2026.

When Lebby was hired, questions swirled regarding hisĀ firing by Baylor in 2016 following its sexual assault scandal under head coach Art Briles. Lebby is married to Briles' daughter.

More controversy stirred when Briles was spotted on OU's field in Sooners gear following the school's win over SMU on Sept. 10.

Lebby's connections to the Magnolia StateĀ are strong. He helped lead Mississippi to a 10-win season in 2021 and previously worked with Mississippi State Athletic Director Zac Selmon at Oklahoma in 2022.Ā 

Lebby's departure could potentially lead to OU staff members and players joining him. The NCAA transfer portal opens on Dec. 4.

When Oklahoma joins the SEC next season, it isn't slated to face Mississippi State in 2024.Ā 

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