Canadian graduate Ben Arbuckle says it’s a “surreal feeling” to be offensive coordinator at Washington State University

Washington State University Head Football Coach Jack Dickert officially announced the hiring of Ben Arbuckle as the Cougars new offensive coordinator last Friday.

Arbuckle, a 2014 Canadian High School graduate and former quarterback of the West Texas A&M Buffaloes, will not only take over offensive coordinator duties but will also be working with the quarterbacks.

“It’s been an exciting last few weeks during the process,” Arbuckle said. “It’s a surreal feeling and it just feels right. It’s hard to believe but I’m very thankful for the opportunity.”

In a press release from Washington State, coach Dickert says he is fully confident that Arbuckle is the guy to lead the Cougars offense to the next level.

“Through an extensive search, Ben stood out as the best fit for our program to help our offense reach new heights,” said Dickert in the release. “The continuity in scheme and teaching of what our guys know as well as his track record for explosive passing offense fits the skill set of our returning players as well as an exciting brand of football to recruit too.  His energy, passion and vision for WSU and what we can accomplish together here will have all Coug fans excited for the 2023 season. Looking forward to getting Ben and his family here in Pullman.”

Arbuckle sets a new precedent in college football. At only 27-years old, Arbuckle is the youngest coordinator of any Power 5 conference in the country.

“I think just believing in the people you surround yourself with can go a long way,” Arbuckle said. “I’ve been fortunate to surround myself with some of the best coaches in the country that work extremely hard, and it’s taken me a long way. I believe I’ve worked hard for those who gave me chances and I wanted to put trust in them no matter my age.”

Arbuckle served as the co-offensive coordinator/ play caller and quarterbacks coach at Western Kentucky this past fall. In that lone season, Arbuckle’s offensive exploded as the Hilltoppers finished sixth in total offense (497.3 yards per game) and 15th in scoring at 36.4 points a contest. Arbuckle was also highlighted as a social media darling during the Hilltoppers 44-23 win over South Alabama in the New Orleans Bowl. In a game featured on ESPN, Arbuckle’s offense was unstoppable racking up 677 total yards.

“It was a big-time game,” Arbuckle said. “We were the only game that night and we were playing in the Superdome in New Orleans. If you liked football and you were watching that game, you definitely saw what that Western Kentucky team was capable of and what our offense can do. But I do think there were a lot of eyes on us.”

As for what Arbuckle expects to bring to the Cougars. Don’t expect anything else than getting the ball down the field and points on the scoreboard.

“I’ve always been a believer of getting the ball downfield and throwing it deep,” Arbuckle said. “I think good things happen when you’re doing that. When you have playmakers, then that gives them a better chance to make plays. I want to put strain on the defense and run a lot of tempo.”