For the second straight season, DeMarco Murray is staying loyal to the Oklahoma Sooners, turning down an opportunity to join the Penn State Nittany Lions’ coaching staff. The former NFL star was a top contender for Penn State’s vacant running backs coach position, according to On3, but he ultimately chose to continue building his legacy in Norman.
Just a day later, On3 confirmed that Murray wasn’t going anywhere, and he’s locked in with the Sooners for the 2025 season. Beyond his deep ties to Oklahoma, he’s also formed a strong bond with new offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, making his return even more valuable.
DeMarco Murray Set To Return as Oklahoma Sooners Running Backs Coach for 2025 Season
Murray’s name was even in the mix for the Dallas Cowboys running backs coach job before the team ultimately went with Derrick Foster.
Murray has proven to be a great asset for OU in the 2024 season, as he’s coached and mentored running backs like Kennedy Brooks, Eric Gray, and Rhamondre Stevenson during his stint. In 2024, the Sooners running backs averaged 5.1 yards per carry and recorded 13 combined rushing touchdowns.
Beyond his success in developing elite running backs, Murray has also established himself as one of Oklahoma’s top recruiters.
He played a key role in landing three-star Xavier Robinson and four-star Taylor Tatum for the 2024 class, while already securing four-star Tory Blaylock for 2025. His impact on the Sooners’ future is undeniable, and according to Brandon Drumm of Oklahoma Insiders, Murray’s return is officially locked in.
Despite engaging in conversations with Penn State about their vacant running backs job, DeMarco Murray is staying on staff with the #Sooners, sources tell https://t.co/QPZYipVqGd.
Details from @Bdrumm_Rivals…
➡️ https://t.co/PFwRt1xf7N pic.twitter.com/OQuV04DVD1
— OUInsider (@OUInsider) February 12, 2025
“A source directly tied to Sooners RB coach Demarco Murray and his camp called this evening to tell me that the Sooners all-time great RB and current RB coach is NOT taking the Penn State job. That could change, but source seemed pretty adamant on it,” Drumm wrote.
“(Demarco) is building a house right now in Norman. (Murray), his wife and kids love Norman and OU, and (Coach Murray) wants to stay as long as possible at Oklahoma,” the source in Murray’s camp told OUInsider.
“(Coach Murray) speaks to a lot of teams. Dallas contacted. Penn State. More than that, but (Murray) has a love for OU and wants to make sure this thing is right before even getting to that point where a departure or coaching somewhere else could happen.”
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This isn’t the first time Murray has turned down a Big Ten opportunity. Just last year, he was reportedly on Ohio State’s radar for a coaching role but chose to stay put in Norman. Now, Penn State has hired former Temple coach Stan Drayton to replace Ja’Juan Seider, who departed for Notre Dame ahead of the 2025 season.
James Franklin had called Murray multiple times to discuss the opportunity to come over to Penn State. However, the Dallas Cowboys legend does not have any intentions to leave Norman as of now. Pete Nakos of On3 took to X to set the record straight, confirming that DeMarco Murray isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
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
“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,” Nakos wrote.
Murray has currently signed a three-year contract with OU, and he received $800,000 in 2024. Moreover, if he decides to stay, he will be paid out $850,000 in the 2025 season.
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