Chiefs Hire 3x Pro Bowl RB as Running Backs Coach

DeMarco Murray joins Kansas City's staff to help improve the team's struggling ground game.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Kansas City Chiefs have hired former NFL running back and Oklahoma Sooners running backs coach DeMarco Murray to lead their rushing corps. The Chiefs' ground game has ranked near the bottom of the league in recent years, and the team is hoping Murray's expertise can help turn things around.

Why it matters

The Chiefs' running game has been a weakness in recent seasons, contributing to the team missing the playoffs in 2025. Bringing in a respected coach like Murray signals the organization's commitment to improving the ground attack and complementing their high-powered passing offense.

The details

Murray, a 3-time Pro Bowler, joins the Chiefs after six seasons as the running backs coach at the University of Oklahoma. During his time with the Sooners, he oversaw standout individual performances from running backs like Eric Gray and Kennedy Brooks. Murray also has a reputation as a strong recruiter, helping Oklahoma land top running back prospects. As a player, Murray amassed over 7,000 rushing yards and 55 total touchdowns in the NFL with the Cowboys, Eagles, and Titans.

  • The Chiefs hired Murray on February 12, 2026.
  • Murray spent the previous six seasons as the running backs coach at the University of Oklahoma.

The players

DeMarco Murray

A former NFL running back and 3-time Pro Bowler, Murray joins the Chiefs as their new running backs coach after spending the last six seasons in the same role at the University of Oklahoma.

Todd Pinkston

The Chiefs' previous running backs coach, who was released, creating the vacancy that Murray is now filling.

Eric Bieniemy

The Chiefs' offensive coordinator, who returned to that role after Matt Nagy was replaced.

Lincoln Riley

The former head coach at the University of Oklahoma, where Murray served as the running backs coach.

Brent Venables

The current head coach at the University of Oklahoma, where Murray served as the running backs coach.

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What they’re saying

“We must improve our running game to take pressure off the passing attack and balance our offense. DeMarco's experience and coaching success make him the ideal candidate to lead our running backs.”

— Andy Reid, Head Coach, Kansas City Chiefs (Kansas City Star)

“DeMarco was an outstanding player and has proven to be an excellent coach. We're sad to see him go, but we know he'll do great things in Kansas City.”

— Brent Venables, Head Coach, University of Oklahoma (Norman Transcript)

What’s next

The Chiefs will look to integrate Murray's coaching philosophy and expertise into their offseason program as they prepare for the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' decision to hire DeMarco Murray as their new running backs coach signals a clear commitment to improving their ground game, which has been a weakness in recent years. Murray's proven track record as both a player and coach makes him an ideal fit to help the Chiefs' offense reach new heights.