Oklahoma Sooners Announce New Coaching Hires

Venables adds cornerbacks coach LaMar Morgan and running backs coach Deland McCullough to staff

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Oklahoma Sooners have officially announced the hiring of two new position coaches to join head coach Brent Venables' staff in Norman. The team has brought on LaMar Morgan as the new cornerbacks coach and Deland McCullough as the new running backs coach, replacing Jay Valai and DeMarco Murray who took NFL jobs.

Why it matters

The Sooners are looking to build on a strong 2025 season and compete for a championship in the SEC in 2026. Filling these key coaching positions was critical, as the new hires will be tasked with developing the team's cornerbacks and running backs to help the Sooners achieve their goals.

The details

Morgan joins Oklahoma after two seasons at Michigan, bringing 14 years of coaching experience. Venables praised his football acumen, teaching ability, and recruiting prowess. McCullough comes to Norman after a stint with the Las Vegas Raiders, and has a reputation for developing elite running backs, including former Notre Dame star Jeremiyah Love. Venables highlighted McCullough's leadership, teaching, and motivational skills as key factors in the hire.

  • The Sooners officially announced the new coaching hires on Sunday, February 23, 2026.
  • Morgan and McCullough are replacing Jay Valai and DeMarco Murray, who took NFL jobs this offseason.

The players

Brent Venables

The head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners football team.

LaMar Morgan

The new cornerbacks coach for the Oklahoma Sooners, joining the staff after two seasons at Michigan.

Deland McCullough

The new running backs coach for the Oklahoma Sooners, coming to Norman after a stint with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Jay Valai

The former cornerbacks coach for the Oklahoma Sooners, who took a job with the Buffalo Bills in the NFL.

DeMarco Murray

The former running backs coach for the Oklahoma Sooners, who took a job with the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL.

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What they’re saying

“I'm incredibly excited about the addition of two fantastic football coaches, great men, great leaders. Our players are going to love learning under them.”

— Brent Venables, Head Coach (Oklahoma Sooners)

“This is a storied program, and everybody knows the OU logo. No matter where you are in the country, whenever the Sooners play, everybody's paying attention. The opportunity to join a staff that is respected across college football — from offense to defense to special teams — was important to me.”

— LaMar Morgan, Cornerbacks Coach (Oklahoma Sooners)

“I've been blessed to coach at every level of this game. What's been consistent everywhere I've been is development and production at the running back position. Our players will be detailed, dependable and disciplined.”

— Deland McCullough, Running Backs Coach (Oklahoma Sooners)

What’s next

The Sooners will now turn their attention to spring practices, which begin next month, leading up to the annual spring game on April 18th.

The takeaway

The additions of Morgan and McCullough to Venables' staff show the Sooners' commitment to building a championship-caliber program. Their extensive experience and reputations for developing players should benefit the Sooners as they look to compete at the highest level in the SEC in 2026.