Sooners tap ex-Raiders coach Deland McCullough to replace DeMarco Murray as running backs coach
The University of Oklahoma is poised to hire Deland McCullough as its new running backs coach. This development comes on the heels of DeMarco Murray's departure to the Kansas City Chiefs, where the former OU star and NFL standout will take on a similar role in the professional ranks.
McCullough, a highly regarded figure with a blend of NFL and collegiate coaching experience, is expected to inject fresh energy into the Sooners' offense, particularly their underperforming rushing attack.
McCullough's coaching journey is marked by impressive achievements at multiple levels.
Most recently, he served as the running backs coach for the Las Vegas Raiders during the 2025 season, where he mentored rookie sensation Ashton Jeanty. Under McCullough's guidance, Jeanty amassed 975 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 266 carries, while also contributing 55 receptions for 346 yards and additional scores in the passing game.
Prior to his stint in Las Vegas, McCullough spent three years at Notre Dame, rising to the position of associate head coach in 2024. There, he developed standout talents like Jeremiyah Love and Audric Estime, helping the Fighting Irish reach the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
His resume also includes stops at Indiana (on two separate occasions), USC, and notably, the Kansas City Chiefs, where he contributed to their Super Bowl LIV victory.
What makes this hire particularly intriguing for Oklahoma fans is McCullough's personal ties to the program. He is the father of former Sooners players Dasan and Daeh McCullough, adding a layer of familiarity and potential recruiting appeal.
Hailing from Campbell, Ohio, McCullough has built a reputation as one of the top running backs coaches in the game, having mentored seven 1,000-yard rushers throughout his career.
This is viewed as a significant upgrade for head coach Brent Venables, especially given the Sooners' recent struggles on the ground. Oklahoma's rushing offense has faltered in recent seasons, ranking near the bottom of the SEC in yards per game, a stark contrast to the program's storied history of dominant backfields.
DeMarco Murray's exit, while bittersweet for Sooner Nation, opened the door for this transition. Murray, a legendary figure in OU lore as the school's all-time leading rusher and a Pro Bowl NFL player, had been with the program since 2020.
As Murray's tenure progressed, the results on the field began to wane, with the running game becoming a point of criticism amid broader offensive inconsistencies.
For Venables, this hire represents a strategic pivot toward experienced NFL talent. McCullough's track record suggests he could revitalize a position group that includes promising young backs but has lacked consistency.
As Oklahoma prepares for the 2026 season, with a challenging schedule ahead, the focus will be on how quickly McCullough can implement his schemes and develop the talent on hand.
This coaching change underscores the evolving landscape of college football, where NFL experience is increasingly valued for its professional polish and recruiting draw. While the official announcement is pending, reports indicate the deal is all but finalized, positioning the Sooners for what could be a resurgent year on offense.
Fans and recruits alike will be watching closely as McCullough steps into the role, potentially marking the start of a new chapter in Oklahoma's proud running back tradition.