Oklahoma hires DeMarco Murray away from Arizona in RB coach role

Former NFL running back DeMarco Murray left his post as running backs coach for the Arizona Wildcats and returned to the Oklahoma Sooners in a similar role, OU announced Monday.

Murray, who starred as a player for the Sooners, joins head coach Lincoln Riley’s staff in Norman, Okla., and leaves Wildcats head coach Kevin Sumlin searching for a replacement less than than two weeks before the recruiting cycle ends.

The 2014 NFL Offensive Player of the Year for the Dallas Cowboys spent a single season at Arizona.

“This is a really exciting day, being able to welcome one of our program’s all-time best players back to Norman,” Riley said in a statement. “DeMarco had a tremendous playing career both at OU and in the NFL and has a passion for coaching and helping young men grow as players and people.

“He’s got an incredibly bright coaching future and will be an outstanding mentor to our players. I don’t think there’s anyone better to lead our running backs. Everyone in our program is excited to have DeMarco, his wife Heidi and their children as part of our family.”

Murray played at Oklahoma from 2007-2010, helping the Sooners to three Big 12 titles under then-head coach Bob Stoops.

The running back holds the Oklahoma record with 6,718 all-purpose yards, is second in rushing attempts (759) and third in rushing touchdowns (50).

Murray then played in the NFL for the Cowboys (2011-14), Philadelphia Eagles (2015) and Tennessee Titans (2016-17). He was a three-time Pro Bowler and 2014 First Team All-Pro after leading the NFL in rushing yards that season.

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