Ex-Pro Bowl RB expected to remain on staff at Oklahoma

A former Pro Bowl running back is expected to remain part of the Oklahoma Sooners coaching staff despite interest from elsewhere.

DeMarco Murray expects to remain at Oklahoma despite being linked to the vacant Penn State running backs coach job, according to Pete Nakos of On3. The 37-year-old has been Oklahoma’s running backs coach since 2020.

The expectation is DeMarco Murray will stay at Oklahoma, multiple sources tell @On3sports. He's developed a rapport with new OC Ben Arbuckle.

Penn State made a strong pitch to Murray, but he ultimately decided to stay in Norman.

Intel: https://t.co/m2vg2xrV1u https://t.co/rBxUTv6L0Q

— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) February 12, 2025

Murray played his college football at Oklahoma, so there is probably some emotional attachment behind his decision to stay.

The longtime Dallas Cowboys running back was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and had three 1,000-yard rushing seasons in the NFL. After finding himself out of the league at age 29, he went into coaching, first with the Arizona Wildcats and most recently with Oklahoma. Judging by Penn State’s interest in him, he has a bright future in that department.

The Sooners are coming off a disappointing 6-7 campaign, which included a change at offensive coordinator. Whatever issues the program has had, they clearly value Murray, as Penn State represented a pretty good opportunity.