Exciting developments are unfolding in the world of college football as Oklahoma assistant coach DeMarco Murray appears to be in talks with Penn State regarding their open running backs position. Sources indicate that there is a strong mutual interest between Murray and the Nittany Lions, which could lead to a significant shift in the coaching landscape.
DeMarco Murray’s Coaching Journey
DeMarco Murray is no stranger to success. As a former star at Oklahoma, he led the Sooners to three Big 12 championships during his playing career, rushing for an impressive 3,685 career yards and 65 touchdowns. His prowess on the field earned him the title of the program’s all-time leader in kickoff return average, boasting an impressive 27.6 yards per return. After a successful seven-year stint in the NFL, where he was named the 2014 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, Murray transitioned to coaching. He began his coaching career with the Arizona staff in 2019 before returning to his alma mater in 2020 as the running backs coach.
The Opportunity at Penn State
With the recent departure of Penn State running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider, who accepted a position at Notre Dame, the door has opened for a new leader in the running backs room. Murray has reportedly had multiple conversations with Penn State head coach James Franklin in recent days, discussing the potential of taking over this coveted role. While no contract offer has been extended yet, the opportunity to coach one of the top running back groups in the nation is certainly enticing.
Talent Awaiting at Penn State
If Murray were to join Penn State, he would inherit a stellar running back duo in Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen. Together, they combined for an astounding 2,207 rushing yards in 2024 and are both set to return in 2025. This dynamic pair not only showcases impressive talent but also presents an exciting opportunity for Murray to further develop their skills and lead them to new heights. Who wouldn’t want to coach such promising athletes?
Success on the Field
Murray’s track record speaks volumes about his coaching abilities. During his time at Oklahoma, he worked with notable running backs like Rhamondre Stevenson and Kennedy Brooks. In 2020, his running backs averaged 5.7 yards per carry and scored 18 rushing touchdowns over 11 games. The following year, they maintained their impressive performance, averaging 5.4 yards per carry and scoring 19 rushing touchdowns in 13 games. This consistency demonstrates his capability to elevate the performance of his players, making him an attractive candidate for Penn State.
Recruiting Prowess
In addition to his on-field success, Murray has proven to be a formidable force on the recruiting trail. He played a pivotal role in securing four-star prospect Taylor Tatum for the Sooners’ 2024 recruiting class. Tatum, hailing from Longview, Texas, was ranked as the No. 1 overall running back in the cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking. This ability to attract top talent is crucial for any program, and it’s clear that Murray has the skills to keep Penn State competitive in the ever-evolving landscape of college football.
Looking Ahead
As the college football season approaches, all eyes will be on the developments surrounding DeMarco Murray and Penn State. With the potential for a significant coaching change, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this situation unfolds. Will Murray accept the challenge and take the reins of the Nittany Lions’ running backs? The prospect of his arrival is certainly exciting, not only for Penn State but for the entire college football community.
As the conversations continue, one thing is clear: DeMarco Murray’s passion for the game and his commitment to developing young talent make him a standout candidate for the position. The combination of his playing experience, coaching success, and recruiting prowess could lead to a new era of excellence for Penn State’s running backs. The future looks bright, and college football fans can hardly wait to see what happens next!
