OU Football Hires New Assistant Coaches

Deland McCullough and LaMar Morgan join Sooners' staff

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Oklahoma football coach Brent Venables has officially announced the hiring of Deland McCullough as running backs coach and LaMar Morgan as cornerbacks coach. McCullough joins the Sooners after spending last season with the Las Vegas Raiders, while Morgan comes to OU following two seasons as defensive backs coach at Michigan.

Why it matters

These new hires are important for the Sooners as they look to build on their success and continue developing their football program. McCullough and Morgan bring extensive experience at both the college and NFL levels, which should help elevate the team's performance on the field.

The details

McCullough replaces DeMarco Murray, who left the Sooners after six seasons to join the Kansas City Chiefs. Morgan replaces Jay Valai, who departed for the Buffalo Bills after four seasons at OU. Venables praised both new hires, highlighting their coaching acumen, leadership abilities, and relationships with players.

  • The Sooners begin spring practices next month.

The players

Brent Venables

The head football coach at the University of Oklahoma.

Deland McCullough

The new running backs coach for the Oklahoma Sooners, joining the team after spending last season with the Las Vegas Raiders.

LaMar Morgan

The new cornerbacks coach for the Oklahoma Sooners, coming to OU after two seasons as defensive backs coach at the University of Michigan.

DeMarco Murray

The former running backs coach for the Oklahoma Sooners, who left the team after six seasons to join the Kansas City Chiefs.

Jay Valai

The former cornerbacks coach for the Oklahoma Sooners, who departed the team after four seasons to join the Buffalo Bills.

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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. Both jobs were highly coveted, and we went through exhaustive searches for both positions. Deland and LaMar separated from the pack with their extensive experience, their knowledge and their ability to teach, lead, fit in with our staff and connect on the recruiting trail.”

— Brent Venables, Head Football Coach, University of Oklahoma (The Oklahoman)

“Deland has an impeccable reputation as a leader, a teacher and a motivator. His experience is exceptional and he had a strong reputation going into the interview process. From a development and leadership standpoint, he's going to have tremendous impact on Day 1.”

— Brent Venables, Head Football Coach, University of Oklahoma (The Oklahoman)

“The most impressive thing about LaMar during the interview process was his football acumen. He's got extensive experience as a play-caller, and that was among a handful of factors that separated him from the rest of the pack. What also stood out is who he is as a teacher. He's a great relationship-driven coach and I love his passion, his fire, his energy and the details he coaches with, as well as how he's able to motivate and get the best out of his guys.”

— Brent Venables, Head Football Coach, University of Oklahoma (The Oklahoman)

What’s next

The Sooners will begin spring practices next month, giving the new assistant coaches their first opportunity to work with the team.

The takeaway

These new hires demonstrate Oklahoma's commitment to building a strong coaching staff and continuing to develop their football program. McCullough and Morgan's extensive experience and proven track records should help the Sooners remain competitive in the Big 12 and beyond.