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The Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly bringing in former NFL star DeMarco Murray as their new running backs coach, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Murray will take over the position previously held by Todd Pinkston, who was dismissed on January 15.
This move signals a significant shift for the Chiefs as they look to rebuild after a disappointing 2025 campaign.
DeMarco Murray’s Coaching Journey
Before stepping into this new NFL role, DeMarco Murray had been serving as the running backs coach at Oklahoma since 2020. During his tenure with the Sooners, the program returned to the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2019.
Murray’s coaching career began shortly after his retirement from professional football. He first worked as a running backs coach at Arizona for one season before joining Oklahoma’s staff, where he remained in the same role for five seasons.
Now, Murray is set to take on his first coaching assignment in the NFL with Kansas City.
A Legendary College and NFL Career
Before making his mark as a coach, Murray established himself as one of the greatest running backs in Oklahoma Sooners history. He earned three All-Big 12 selections during his college career and later entered the 2011 NFL Draft.
He was chosen with the No. 71 overall pick in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys.
NFL Achievements
Murray quickly became one of the league’s standout young players. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2011 and had a career-defining season in 2014. That year, he:
- Led the NFL in rushing yards
- Led the league in rushing touchdowns
- Won NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors
Over seven NFL seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and Tennessee Titans, Murray totaled:
| Stat Category | Career Total |
|---|---|
| Rushing Yards | 7,174 |
| Rushing TDs | 49 |
| Seasons Played | 7 |
| Teams Played For | 3 |
His production during the 2010s made him one of the most respected running backs of that era.
Chiefs Looking to Bounce Back After 6–11 Season
The hiring comes at a critical moment for the Kansas City Chiefs. After making three straight Super Bowl appearances, the team experienced a major setback in 2025.
They finished with a disappointing 6–11 record, placing third in the AFC West and missing the postseason for the first time since 2014.
Head coach Andy Reid now faces the challenge of reshaping the team for a stronger 2026 campaign.
Patrick Mahomes’ Injury Changes Offensive Outlook
Complicating matters further, star quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL late in the regular season against the Los Angeles Chargers. The three-time Super Bowl MVP is expected to miss a significant portion of the 2026 season.
With Mahomes sidelined, Kansas City may lean more heavily on its ground attack. That makes Murray’s hiring even more important.
Isaiah Pacheco and the Future of the Chiefs’ Run Game
Running back Isaiah Pacheco could see an expanded role next season, assuming he stays healthy. Under Murray’s guidance, Kansas City’s rushing unit may become a central part of the offense.
Bringing in a former NFL Offensive Player of the Year to develop the team’s backfield shows the Chiefs’ commitment to strengthening their run game as they aim to return to championship form.
The Kansas City Chiefs’ decision to hire DeMarco Murray as running backs coach represents a strategic move during a transitional period. After a disappointing 6–11 season and the devastating ACL injury to Patrick Mahomes, the team must rely more heavily on its rushing attack in 2026.
Murray brings elite playing experience, proven leadership, and years of coaching development from both Arizona and Oklahoma.
His success as a former NFL Offensive Player of the Year gives credibility and insight that could prove invaluable for players like Isaiah Pacheco. As Kansas City looks to rebound and return to playoff contention, this hiring may play a crucial role in reshaping the team’s offensive identity.