Chiefs Hire DeMarco Murray to Revitalize Struggling Ground Game

The Kansas City Chiefs are turning to a familiar football name in hopes of restoring balance to their offense. The franchise has hired former NFL running back DeMarco Murray as its new running backs coach, according to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, filling a vacancy created by the dismissal of Todd Pinkston.

The move comes after multiple seasons of underwhelming rushing output, culminating in a 6-11 campaign in 2025 that ended the organization’s decade-long playoff streak. Once a perennial contender with five Super Bowl appearances and three championships during that span, Kansas City now faces a period of recalibration.

Improving the ground game has become a clear priority. The Chiefs ranked in the bottom tier of the league in rushing yards per game in each of the past two seasons, struggling to establish consistent production on early downs and in short-yardage situations.

Murray, 38, arrives after six seasons as Oklahoma’s running backs coach, bringing both collegiate coaching experience and an accomplished playing résumé that includes an NFL rushing title and Offensive Player of the Year honors.

1. A Ground Game in Decline

Kansas City’s rushing numbers illustrate the urgency behind the hire. In 2025, the Chiefs averaged 106.6 rushing yards per game, ranking 25th in the NFL and finishing in the bottom 10 league-wide. The year prior, they averaged just 101 yards per contest, continuing a downward trend. Even in 2023, when the team ranked 17th in rushing yards per game, the production was considered modest relative to championship-caliber expectations. The imbalance placed added pressure on the passing attack and limited offensive flexibility. The 2025 season proved especially costly. The Chiefs’ 6-11 record marked their first missed postseason since the early stages of their sustained run of success. For an organization accustomed to deep playoff pushes, the setback underscored the need for structural adjustments. Part of that reset includes changes to the coaching staff. Eric Bieniemy has returned as offensive coordinator, replacing Matt Nagy, as the Chiefs aim to recapture a more dynamic and efficient identity on offense.

2. Murray’s Coaching and Recruiting Credentials

Murray departs Oklahoma with one year remaining on his contract, concluding a six-year tenure in Norman that began in 2020 after a season at Arizona. During his time with the Sooners, he worked under both Lincoln Riley and Brent Venables. Although Oklahoma’s team rushing numbers dipped last season—ranking 104th nationally at 119 yards per game—Murray helped develop individual standouts. Eric Gray rushed for 1,366 yards in one season under Murray’s guidance, while Kennedy Brooks produced a 1,253-yard campaign in another. Beyond on-field development, Murray established himself as a capable recruiter. The Sooners secured commitments from highly regarded prospects, including composite 2026 No. 4 running back Jonathan Hatton Jr. and 2028 No. 1 running back Micah Rhodes. His departure represents another staff loss for Oklahoma, while offering Kansas City a coach with direct experience mentoring young talent and preparing them for professional-level expectations.

3. From Rushing Champion to NFL Coach

Murray’s credibility is reinforced by his own decorated playing career. At Oklahoma from 2006 to 2010, he accumulated more than 5,000 all-purpose yards and 63 touchdowns, earning three All-Big 12 selections and contributing to three conference championship teams, including the 2008 squad that reached the national title game. Selected in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, Murray went on to play seven professional seasons with Dallas, Philadelphia, and Tennessee. His breakout year came in 2014, when he led the NFL with 1,845 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, earning Offensive Player of the Year honors. Over the course of his career, the three-time Pro Bowler amassed 7,174 rushing yards, 2,165 receiving yards, and 55 total touchdowns. His understanding of the physical and strategic demands of the position is expected to inform his approach in Kansas City. The Chiefs also face financial challenges, entering the offseason nearly $50 million over the salary cap ahead of free agency on March 11 and the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23. Coaching adjustments, therefore, represent one avenue to address performance concerns without immediate roster overhauls.