Kansas City Chiefs fans have a new name to learn, and Oklahoma Sooners faithful are saying goodbye to a familiar face. DeMarco Murray, the running backs coach at Oklahoma for the past six seasons, is heading to the NFL to fill the same role with the Chiefs, according to multiple reports surfacing on .
Murray’s move marks a return to the professional ranks for the former NFL star, who played seven seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and Tennessee Titans. He was a dominant force during his time in the league, highlighted by a league-leading 1,845 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns in 2014 while with the Cowboys. Over his career, Murray amassed 7,174 rushing yards, 2,165 receiving yards, and 55 total touchdowns.
The Chiefs are clearly hoping Murray can translate his playing success into coaching prowess, specifically to revitalize a rushing attack that struggled in 2025. Kansas City ranked in the bottom 10 of the NFL in rushing yards per game, averaging just 106.6 yards on the ground. Bringing in someone with Murray’s experience and understanding of the position is a clear attempt to address that weakness.
Murray began his coaching career in 2019 as the running backs coach at Arizona before returning to his alma mater, Oklahoma, in 2020. During his tenure with the Sooners, he coached several notable running backs, including Rhamondre Stevenson, Kennedy Brooks, and Eric Gray. While the Sooners experienced some inconsistency at the position due to injuries in recent seasons, Murray consistently recruited top talent, bringing in prospects like Gavin Sawchuk, Jovantae Barnes, Tory Blaylock, and Xavier Robinson.
His impact on the recruiting trail is a significant part of what Oklahoma will miss. Despite the challenges with consistent on-field production in the last few years, Murray consistently brought in high-level running back recruits, setting the stage for future success in Norman. The Sooners will now be tasked with finding a replacement who can both develop the current roster and continue to attract top talent.
At Oklahoma, Murray was a standout player himself, running for 3,685 yards and scoring 50 rushing touchdowns over his four-year career. He also added 13 receiving touchdowns and two kickoff return touchdowns, leaving the program as its all-time leader in total touchdowns, all-purpose yards, receiving yards by a running back, and kickoff return average. His collegiate success undoubtedly contributed to his appeal as a coach, and now, as he transitions to the NFL, it provides a foundation of credibility with players.
The jump from college to the NFL is a significant one, but Murray appears prepared for the challenge. He’s joining the staff of Andy Reid, one of the most respected and successful coaches in the league. Reid’s offensive system is known for its complexity and adaptability, and Murray will have the opportunity to learn from a master strategist.
The timing of Murray’s departure comes after Oklahoma recently filled another assistant coaching vacancy, hiring Jason Witten to replace Joe Jones Finley. The Sooners are navigating a period of transition as they prepare for a new era of college football, and Murray’s move to the NFL adds another layer to that process.
For the Chiefs, the addition of Murray represents a strategic investment in their running game. They’re hoping he can unlock the potential of their current running backs and establish a more consistent ground attack to complement their already potent passing offense. The success of the Chiefs’ offense often hinges on balance, and a revitalized running game could make them even more difficult to defend.
Murray’s return to the NFL is not just a career move. it’s a testament to his dedication to the game and his desire to continue growing as a coach. He’s stepping into a high-pressure environment with a team that has Super Bowl aspirations, and the opportunity to contribute to their success will be a significant test of his coaching abilities. The Chiefs’ faithful will be watching closely to see if Murray can replicate his playing success on the sidelines.
