The Kansas City Chiefs have made a headline-grabbing move, officially hiring DeMarco Murray as their new running backs coach, signaling a fresh era for both the franchise and the former NFL star. Announced on February 12, 2026, the decision comes as the Chiefs embark on a significant coaching staff overhaul after missing the postseason for the first time in more than a decade. Murray, who has spent the past six seasons coaching running backs at the University of Oklahoma, now steps into his first NFL coaching role, joining head coach Andy Reid’s dynamic operation and reuniting with offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.
Murray’s path to Kansas City is marked by both playing and coaching excellence. As a standout at Oklahoma from 2007 through 2010, he left an indelible mark on the program. In the 2008 season alone, he rushed for 1,002 yards and 14 touchdowns over 13 games, while hauling in 31 receptions for 395 yards and four scores. That year, he helped propel the Sooners to the BCS National Championship Game, though he missed the contest due to injury. His efforts earned him first-team All-Big 12 honors, a distinction he’d claim again in 2010 after rushing for a career-best 1,214 yards and 15 touchdowns, along with 71 receptions for 594 yards and five receiving touchdowns.
But Murray’s legacy at Oklahoma goes even deeper. He holds the school records for all-purpose yards (6,718), total touchdowns (65), and kickoff return average (27.58 yards). He ranks second in Sooners history in both rushing attempts (759) and kick return yards (1,462), third in rushing touchdowns (50), and is among the top ten in rushing yards and 100-yard rushing games. His 196 kick return yards against Oklahoma State in 2008 stand as the second-most in a single game for the program. As a recruiter and mentor, Murray brought in top-tier prospects such as Gavin Sawchuk, Jovantae Barnes, Tory Blaylock, Taylor Tatum, Xavier Robinson, and Jonathan Hatton, helping to shape the future of Oklahoma football.
Selected in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, Murray quickly made his mark at the professional level. Over a decorated seven-year NFL career, he rushed for 7,174 yards and 49 touchdowns, adding 2,165 receiving yards and six more scores. His 2014 campaign was particularly memorable, as he led the league in rushing, earned Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year honors, and was named to the All-Pro team. Murray’s NFL journey also included stops with the Philadelphia Eagles and Tennessee Titans, and he was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2013, 2014, and 2016.
After hanging up his cleats at age 30, Murray transitioned to the broadcast booth, spending a year as a college football analyst for FOX Sports. Yet the itch to return to the field proved too strong, and he began his coaching career at the University of Arizona in 2019 under head coach Kevin Sumlin, a former Oklahoma assistant. A year later, Murray returned to his alma mater to coach running backs, where he remained until his recent move to Kansas City. During his tenure, he guided the Sooners’ backfield through both triumphs and challenges, including stretches of inconsistency and injuries from 2023 to 2025, but his recruiting acumen and player development stood out.
Now, the Chiefs are counting on Murray’s expertise and fresh perspective to revitalize a running back room that struggled during the 2026 season. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, "Murray became a primary target for Kansas City, and is now set to join head coach Andy Reid's staff as running backs coach." The opportunity to work alongside the likes of Reid and Bieniemy—both respected offensive minds—was simply too enticing for Murray to pass up. Bieniemy, himself a former running back and position coach, is expected to be a key collaborator as Murray transitions to the NFL coaching ranks.
In addition to Murray, the Chiefs’ coaching shakeup includes the return of Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator and the hiring of Chad O’Shea as wide receivers coach. The team had also shown interest in Las Vegas Raiders running backs coach Deland McCullough, who previously held the same role in Kansas City, but McCullough will remain with the Raiders under new head coach Klay Kubiak. The Chiefs’ front office is clearly intent on injecting new energy and ideas into their staff, hoping to spark a return to postseason form after a rare stumble in 2025.
For Murray, the move to Kansas City is more than just a career milestone—it’s a homecoming of sorts to the NFL stage where he once dazzled fans and opponents alike. As he embarks on his first season as an NFL coach at age 38, Murray brings with him a wealth of experience, both as a player and as a mentor of young talent. His decorated resume and relentless work ethic have already drawn praise throughout the league, and expectations are high that his influence will be felt immediately in the Chiefs’ backfield.
Reflecting on his journey, Murray’s departure from Oklahoma is bittersweet. Having been retained by Brent Venables when Lincoln Riley left for USC, Murray’s impact on the Sooners extended beyond wins and losses. He leaves behind a legacy of leadership, player development, and recruiting success, all of which he’ll now look to translate to the NFL stage. As the Sooners search for their next running backs coach, the program can only hope to find someone who will match Murray’s passion and pedigree.
Meanwhile, Chiefs fans are abuzz with anticipation. After a season that fell short of expectations, the arrival of Murray and other new coaches represents a bold step toward reclaiming the franchise’s place among the NFL elite. The 2026 season is shaping up to be a fascinating one in Kansas City, with Murray at the heart of the action, aiming to help the Chiefs’ running game rediscover its spark and push the team back into playoff contention.
As the dust settles on a busy offseason, one thing’s for sure: DeMarco Murray’s journey from star running back to NFL coach is just getting started, and all eyes will be on Kansas City to see how this next chapter unfolds.