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Norman Today
By the People, for the People
Oklahoma Seeks New Running Backs Coach After DeMarco Murray's Departure
Sooners must fill vacancy on coaching staff as Murray leaves for NFL job with Kansas City Chiefs
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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Oklahoma is searching for a new running backs coach after DeMarco Murray, who has held the position since 2020, departed to join the Kansas City Chiefs' coaching staff. Murray's exit comes after he declined multiple offers from other college and NFL teams in recent years. The Sooners must now find a replacement to oversee a running back room that returns several players while also bringing in new talent through the transfer portal and 2026 recruiting class.
Why it matters
The new running backs coach will be tasked with helping improve Oklahoma's offense, which struggled at times in its first season under coordinator Ben Arbuckle. The Sooners are looking to bounce back and make a return trip to the College Football Playoff, making this a key hire for head coach Brent Venables.
The details
DeMarco Murray, a former Oklahoma star running back, had been the Sooners' running backs coach since 2020. He is now leaving to join the Kansas City Chiefs' coaching staff, becoming the second Oklahoma assistant to depart for an NFL job this offseason. The Sooners must now find a replacement to oversee a running back room that includes returning players Xavier Robinson and Tory Blaylock, as well as Colorado State transfer Lloyd Avant and 2026 signees Jonathan Hatton and DeZephen Walker.
- DeMarco Murray has been Oklahoma's running backs coach since 2020.
- Murray is leaving Oklahoma to join the Kansas City Chiefs' coaching staff.
- This is the second Oklahoma assistant to depart for an NFL job this offseason, following cornerbacks coach Jay Valai's move to the Buffalo Bills.
The players
DeMarco Murray
A former Oklahoma star running back who has been the Sooners' running backs coach since 2020, but is now leaving to join the Kansas City Chiefs' coaching staff.
Brent Venables
The head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners, who must now find a replacement for Murray on his coaching staff.
Ben Arbuckle
Oklahoma's offensive coordinator, whose unit is looking to improve after an uneven first season.
Xavier Robinson
A returning running back for the Oklahoma Sooners.
Tory Blaylock
A returning running back for the Oklahoma Sooners.
Lloyd Avant
A running back transfer from Colorado State who will join the Oklahoma Sooners.
Jonathan Hatton
A 2026 running back signee for the Oklahoma Sooners.
DeZephen Walker
A 2026 running back signee for the Oklahoma Sooners.
What’s next
Venables and offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle will now search for a replacement to lead the Sooners' running backs, with the goal of finding someone who can help improve the offense and position the team for a return to the College Football Playoff.
The takeaway
Oklahoma's search for a new running backs coach comes at a critical time, as the Sooners look to bounce back from an uneven first season under their new offensive coordinator. The new hire will be tasked with developing the team's talented backfield and helping the offense take a step forward in 2026.
