The Kansas City Chiefs have made a bold move to reshape their offensive coaching staff, officially hiring DeMarco Murray as their new running backs coach. The news, first reported by NFL insider Jordan Schultz on February 12, 2026, marks Murray’s first foray into NFL coaching after a highly decorated career as both a player and collegiate coach. The Chiefs’ decision comes on the heels of a disappointing 2025 campaign, where the team finished 6-11 and missed the postseason for the first time in over a decade. With Murray on board, Kansas City is signaling its intent to revitalize the running game and restore its championship pedigree.
Murray’s journey to Kansas City is the culmination of years spent excelling at every level of football. After starring at Oklahoma from 2007 through 2010, Murray left the Sooners as the school’s all-time leader in all-purpose yards (6,718), touchdowns scored (65), and kickoff return average (27.58 yards). His 2008 season was particularly memorable, as he rushed for 1,002 yards and 14 touchdowns in just 13 games, helping Oklahoma reach the BCS National Championship Game. Though an injury kept him from playing in that final, his impact was undeniable. Murray also earned first-team All-Big 12 honors twice, in 2008 and 2010, and still ranks among the top Sooners in rushing touchdowns and 100-yard games.
Selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft, Murray quickly made his mark at the professional level. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in his debut season and exploded in 2014, leading the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns. That year, he was honored as the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year and earned First-Team All-Pro recognition. Over seven seasons with the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and Tennessee Titans, Murray rushed for 7,174 yards and 49 touchdowns, adding 2,165 receiving yards and six scores. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2013, 2014, and 2016, cementing his status as one of the premier backs of the 2010s.
After retiring from playing at age 30, Murray took a brief detour into broadcasting, working as a TV analyst before beginning his coaching career. His first stop came at Arizona in 2019, where he served as running backs coach under Kevin Sumlin. The following year, Murray returned to his alma mater, Oklahoma, to coach the position he once dominated on the field. Over six seasons in Norman, he helped develop talents like Rhamondre Stevenson, Kennedy Brooks, and Eric Gray, and established himself as a top recruiter, bringing in high-level prospects such as Gavin Sawchuk, Jovantae Barnes, and Taylor Tatum.
Murray’s tenure with the Sooners wasn’t without challenges. From 2023 to 2025, Oklahoma’s running back corps struggled with injuries, making consistency hard to come by. Still, Murray’s coaching acumen shone through, and he played a pivotal role in helping Oklahoma return to the College Football Playoff in 2025 for the first time since 2019. Despite his success, Murray was one of just two position coaches at Oklahoma not to receive a raise in the most recent round of staff adjustments, fueling speculation about his future. Rumors of Murray being courted by NFL and major college programs—ranging from Penn State to the Dallas Cowboys, Ohio State, and the Las Vegas Raiders—had swirled for years. But when the Kansas City Chiefs, fresh off three consecutive Super Bowl appearances but now in need of a turnaround, came calling, the opportunity proved irresistible.
In Kansas City, Murray replaces Todd Pinkston, who was dismissed on January 15, 2026, as part of a broader staff overhaul. He joins a retooled offensive staff that also features the return of Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator and the addition of Chad O’Shea as wide receivers coach. Head coach Andy Reid, whose reputation for offensive innovation is well established, will look to Murray to inject fresh energy and expertise into a running back room that underperformed last season.
The stakes are high for the Chiefs in 2026. After years of dominance, including a trio of Super Bowl runs, the team’s abrupt fall from grace in 2025 stunned fans and analysts alike. The pressure is compounded by the uncertain status of star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who suffered a significant knee injury late in the 2025 season. With Mahomes likely to miss a portion of the upcoming campaign, the Chiefs’ ground game will be under the microscope. Murray’s arrival is expected to be especially impactful for young backs like Isaiah Pacheco, who could see an expanded role if he stays healthy.
Murray’s NFL pedigree and coaching experience make him a natural fit for the Chiefs’ ambitions. His ability to relate to players—having been an elite back himself—has already paid dividends at the collegiate level. Now, he’ll have the chance to work alongside offensive minds like Andy Reid and Eric Bieniemy, both of whom have a history of maximizing talent in the backfield. According to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, Murray became a primary target for the Chiefs after a successful interview, with his NFL experience and recruiting prowess making him stand out among candidates. The Chiefs had also considered other options, including interviewing Las Vegas Raiders running backs coach Deland McCullough, but ultimately chose Murray to lead their rushing attack.
For Oklahoma, Murray’s departure marks the second assistant lost to the NFL this offseason, following cornerbacks coach Jay Valai’s move to the Buffalo Bills. The Sooners will now begin the search for a new leader of their running back room, hoping to maintain the high standards Murray helped establish during his tenure.
As the Chiefs look to rebound from a rare down year, all eyes will be on DeMarco Murray and his ability to revitalize the running game. With a blend of experience, leadership, and a relentless drive to succeed, Murray’s NFL coaching debut promises to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the 2026 season. Kansas City’s fans, still hungry for another title run, will be eager to see if this high-profile hire can help the Chiefs reclaim their place atop the AFC.
With the coaching staff now reset and Murray ready to get to work, the Chiefs are poised for a new chapter—one that could hinge on the success of their newest running backs coach. The coming months will reveal just how much of an impact Murray can make as Kansas City chases redemption and another shot at NFL glory.