The Kansas City Chiefs are poised to add a significant piece of championship-caliber experience to their coaching staff, this time from a player who once terrorized defenses on the field. According to multiple reports, including from Jordan Schultz of The Schultz Report, the Chiefs are hiring former NFL All-Pro running back DeMarco Murray as their new running backs coach. Murray, who is currently the running backs coach at his alma mater, the University of Oklahoma, is reportedly leaving the college ranks to accept his first NFL coaching role.
This move signals a clear and intentional shift for the Chiefs as they look to refine their offensive identity. While the passing game, led by Patrick Mahomes, will always be the engine, the running back room has been a point of evolution and, at times, inconsistency in recent seasons. Bringing in a coach of Murray's pedigree--a player who reached the pinnacle of individual success at the position--suggests the organization is seeking not just a teacher of technique, but a developer of mentality and professional habits.
From Star Player to Sideline Mentor
DeMarco Murray's resume as a player speaks for itself and provides immediate credibility in any running back meeting room. A third-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2011, Murray exploded onto the scene, earning First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2014 after leading the NFL with 1,845 rushing yards. His physical, one-cut-and-go style, combined with soft hands out of the backfield, made him one of the league's most complete backs during his prime. He played seven seasons with the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and Tennessee Titans, amassing over 7,000 rushing yards, 2,000 receiving yards, and 55 total touchdowns.
His transition to coaching has been a natural and successful one. Returning to Oklahoma, where he won the Doak Walker Award as the nation's top running back in 2010, Murray has spent the last few seasons mentoring the next generation of Sooner ball carriers. He has earned a reputation as a detail-oriented coach who connects well with players, leveraging his own NFL journey to provide relatable, high-level instruction. The jump to the professional level is a significant one, but Murray's recent experience in a major college program and his intimate knowledge of the modern NFL grind prepare him well for the challenge in Kansas City.
Context: A Room in Flux
The Chiefs' running back situation has been a revolving door of talent and roles since the departure of Kareem Hunt years ago. The team has employed a committee approach, cycling through veterans like Le'Veon Bell, Jerick McKinnon, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, while also integrating younger draft picks and undrafted free agents. Isiah Pacheco emerged as a fiery, physical tone-setter, but the depth and specific roles behind him have often been in question.
The running backs coach position itself has seen turnover. The role was previously held by Greg Lewis, a longtime Andy Reid assistant who moved to coach wide receivers last season. The individual tasked with leading the room since then has now been replaced by the high-profile acquisition of Murray. This indicates the front office and head coach Andy Reid are placing a premium on getting this position group exactly right. In an offense that demands its running backs be versatile--capable in pass protection, reliable as check-down options, and effective in the red zone--the coach's ability to develop all facets is paramount.
What Murray Brings to the Table
Murray's hiring is about more than just name recognition. It's a strategic investment in player development and offensive philosophy.
First, his playing experience is directly relevant. He wasn't just a runner; he was a workhorse who understood pass protection schemes, route running from the backfield, and the nuances of ball security under duress. He can teach Pacheco and others how to preserve their bodies over a long season, how to study linebackers in blitz pickup, and how to exploit mismatches in the passing game. His All-Pro season came in a scheme that heavily utilized zone running, a staple of the Chiefs' offensive line approach, giving him a foundational knowledge to build upon.
Second, his age and recent departure from playing (his last season was 2017) mean he can relate to today's players on a level that some older coaches cannot. He understands the current training methods, the social media landscape, and the overall mindset of the modern NFL athlete. This relatability can be a powerful tool for motivation and communication.
Third, his recruiting and development experience at Oklahoma is invaluable. College coaching is fundamentally about development--taking raw talent and molding it into a polished product. The NFL, especially for mid-to-late-round draft picks and undrafted players who often fill out a running back room, requires the same skill set. Murray has proven he can identify strengths and weaknesses and build a detailed plan for improvement.
The Big Picture for the Chiefs' Offense
Andy Reid's offense is a complex, ever-evolving organism. The hiring of DeMarco Murray feels like a move to solidify one of its core components. Reid has always valued having a strong running game to complement his legendary passing attacks, using it to control tempo, close out games, and keep defenses honest against play-action.
With Murray's guidance, the Chiefs could be aiming to establish a more consistent and potent ground attack. This isn't about abandoning the pass; it's about achieving a more lethal balance. A running game that commands respect opens up the entire playbook for Patrick Mahomes. It makes play-action more effective, slows down pass rushes, and creates more manageable down-and-distance situations.
Furthermore, this hire continues a trend of the Chiefs investing in their coaching staff with former players who have achieved at the highest level. It reflects a culture that values proven excellence and understands that the lessons from a successful playing career can translate directly to teaching and leadership. Murray now joins a staff where that standard is set.
A Reported Move Awaiting Official Word
It is crucial to note that, as of this reporting, the hire has not been formally announced by the Kansas City Chiefs. The information comes from multiple reports, including reputable insider Jordan Schultz. These are the early stages of the NFL's coaching carousel period, and such reports typically precede an official announcement by the team once contractual details are finalized.
However, the consistency of the reporting gives it significant weight. All indications point toward DeMarco Murray trading the crimson and cream of Oklahoma for the red and gold of Kansas City. For Chiefs fans, it's an exciting prospect: a beloved former star from a rival team now tasked with forging the next chapter of success in the team's backfield. His journey from All-Pro ball carrier to first-time NFL coach will be one of the most intriguing subplots of the Chiefs' upcoming offseason program. If the reports hold true, the running back room at Arrowhead just gained a formidable new leader.