NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Ted Roof was fired on Thursday as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Oklahoma, following a season in which the Sooners' defense started strong but struggled down the stretch.

Sooners coach Brent Venables said in a news release that he told Roof he was being let go as defensive coordinator, and that Roof declined an offer to remain on the staff in a different role.

Oklahoma made significant improvements this season, Roof's second with the Sooners. Oklahoma ranked second nationally with 20 interceptions and sixth in takeaways with 26.

The Sooners held their first...