OU Hires Deland McCullough as Running Backs Coach

Longtime coach joins Sooners football staff, reuniting with his sons Dasan and Daeh

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Oklahoma Sooners have officially hired Deland McCullough as their new running backs coach. McCullough, who previously coached at Indiana, is reuniting with his sons Dasan and Daeh, who are both players on the Sooners' roster. The coaching hire comes as OU's spring sports like baseball and softball are underway, but the football program continues to make news during the offseason.

Why it matters

The addition of McCullough to the Sooners' coaching staff is seen as an important move as the program looks to build on its success and compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff next season. McCullough's experience and connections could help bolster OU's recruiting efforts, particularly at the running back position.

The details

Deland McCullough, who has over 20 years of coaching experience, will take over as the Sooners' running backs coach, replacing DeMarco Murray. McCullough previously served as the running backs coach at Indiana University. His sons, Dasan and Daeh McCullough, are both current players on the OU football team.

  • Deland McCullough was hired as OU's new running backs coach on February 18, 2026.
  • OU's spring football practices are scheduled to begin in March 2026, with the annual spring game set for April 18, 2026.

The players

Deland McCullough

Veteran college football coach with over 20 years of experience, who has now joined the Oklahoma Sooners as their new running backs coach.

Dasan McCullough

Deland McCullough's son, who is a current player on the Oklahoma Sooners football team.

Daeh McCullough

Deland McCullough's other son, who is also a current player on the Oklahoma Sooners football team.

DeMarco Murray

The previous running backs coach at Oklahoma, who Deland McCullough is replacing on the Sooners' coaching staff.

Roger Denny

The new athletic director at the University of Oklahoma.

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What they’re saying

“Clearly, there were zero hard feelings with how things worked out for his boys.”

— Bob Przybylo, Reporter (on3.com)

What’s next

The Sooners will look to integrate Deland McCullough into the coaching staff ahead of spring football practices starting in March 2026, with the annual spring game scheduled for April 18, 2026.

The takeaway

The hiring of veteran coach Deland McCullough as Oklahoma's new running backs coach is seen as an important move for the Sooners as they aim to build on their success and compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff next season. McCullough's experience and connections could provide a boost to OU's recruiting efforts, particularly at the running back position.