The engine of the Kansas City Chiefs' offense is undergoing a subtle but significant tune-up this offseason. While the spotlight inevitably follows the star quarterback and the mastermind head coach, the machinery around them requires constant attention and occasional upgrades. According to a new report, the Chiefs are poised to make a high-profile addition to that supporting cast, bringing in a name familiar to football fans for his exploits on the field to now shape the next generation in the backfield.
Sources have informed Ron Kopp Jr. of Arrowhead Pride that the Kansas City Chiefs are set to hire former NFL running back DeMarco Murray as their new running backs coach. This move, if finalized, would mark a notable shift in the team's offensive staff structure and continues a pattern of evolution under head coach Andy Reid. The position became vacant following the departure of the previous coach, part of a broader reshuffling that has seen the Chiefs actively seek fresh perspectives to maintain their championship standard.
For those who followed the NFL in the early to mid-2010s, DeMarco Murray needs little introduction. His playing career was a testament to power, vision, and production. A third-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2011, Murray exploded onto the scene, leading the league in rushing with 1,845 yards in 2014 and earning First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. His style was punishing; he was a workhorse who could wear down defenses between the tackles while possessing enough speed to break away. After stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and Tennessee Titans, where he earned two more Pro Bowl selections, Murray retired following the 2017 season with over 7,000 career rushing yards and 49 touchdowns.
His transition to coaching began swiftly. He returned to his alma mater, the University of Oklahoma, initially as a director of player development before ascending to the role of running backs coach. In Norman, he has been instrumental in developing talent for one of college football's most prolific offenses, learning under head coach Brent Venables and contributing to a potent ground attack. This collegiate experience, coupled with his firsthand NFL knowledge, makes him a compelling candidate for a jump to the professional ranks.
The context of this reported hire is crucial. The Chiefs' offense, while still formidable, is in a state of deliberate recalibration. The departure of longtime offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy a few years ago began a new chapter, and head coach Andy Reid has consistently shown a willingness to infuse his staff with new energy and ideas. The running backs coach role is particularly interesting in Kansas City. This is not a team that traditionally features a bell-cow, 300-carry back. Instead, the Chiefs have thrived with a committee approach, leveraging the unique skills of different players within Reid's complex offensive system.
In recent seasons, the backfield has seen a mix of veterans and young players, from the elusive receiving threat of a healthy Jerick McKinnon type to the powerful, between-the-tackles running of Isiah Pacheco. The coach in charge of this group must be versatile. He must teach pass protection—a non-negotiable for any back playing with Patrick Mahomes—route running from various alignments, and the nuanced run schemes that can exploit specific defensive looks. It’s a role that demands technical expertise, strong communication, and the ability to manage egos and distribute practice reps effectively.
This is where Murray's potential hiring becomes fascinating. As a player, he was the focal point. He knows what it takes to prepare as a lead back, to handle a massive workload, and to produce at an elite level. But can he translate that experience into coaching a diverse group where individual stats may be secondary to the overall offensive flow? His recent work at Oklahoma suggests he can. College coaching requires teaching fundamentals, developing young men, and adapting to different skill sets—all directly transferable to an NFL room that may include a high draft pick, a veteran free agent, and a special teams standout.
Furthermore, Murray represents a direct connection to the modern player. At 38 years old at the time of this report, his retirement is still relatively recent in NFL years. He can relate to players on a level that resonates, discussing recovery, film study, and contract years from a place of very recent experience. In a league where player-coach relationships are paramount, this could be a significant asset. He isn't a coach who has been diagramming plays for decades; he's a former peer who knows exactly the physical and mental demands of the game today.
There is also a stylistic curiosity. Murray was known for his physical, north-south running. The Chiefs' run game, under Andy Reid, often incorporates more lateral stretch plays, sweeps, and misdirection. It will be intriguing to see how Murray's philosophy meshes with Reid's established system. The best coaches adapt, and Murray's understanding of leverage, pad level, and contact balance is universal. His challenge will be to impart those core principles within the specific framework of the Chiefs' playbook.
Of course, it is vital to stress the "reportedly" in this discussion. As of now, this is not a confirmed move by the team. The Chiefs have made no official announcement. These reports, sourced from individuals familiar with the situation, indicate that the hiring is expected to proceed. Until the team issues a statement or makes a formal introduction, it remains in the realm of strong speculation. However, the sourcing and the logical fit give the report considerable weight.
If and when the hire becomes official, it will send a clear message: the Chiefs are not resting. Even after sustained success, the organization is proactive in seeking advantages, whether through player acquisition or coaching talent. Bringing in a charismatic former star like DeMarco Murray energizes the staff and provides a new voice for a critical position group. For young running backs on the roster or those the Chiefs might draft, the opportunity to learn from a former rushing champion is an undeniable selling point.
The 2026 offseason is just beginning, with the Scouting Combine on the horizon and free agency to follow. But before the focus shifts entirely to new players, the Chiefs appear to be shoring up their leadership. The reported addition of DeMarco Murray as running backs coach is more than just a name grab; it's a strategic investment in the teaching and development of one of the offense's key units. In the relentless pursuit of perfection in Kansas City, every cog in the machine matters. This move suggests the Chiefs believe they've found a high-grade component to keep their championship engine humming smoothly for miles to come.