OU football is set to hire Deland McCullough as its next running backs coach, according to On3's Pete Nakos.

McCullough coached running backs in the NFL for the Las Vegas Raiders during the 2025 season. He helped rookie and former Heisman runner-up Ashton Jeanty to recording 975 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground and 346 receiving yards and five touchdown receptions in 2025. Before the Las Vegas Raiders, he was Notre Dame's running backs coach in 2022-24. He played a role in Notre Dame's Gator Bowl and Sun Bowl appearances in 2022 and 2023.

He played running back for Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, in 1992-1995, where he was a three-time all-MAC selection.

McCullough's son, Dasan, played linebacker for the Sooners in 2023-24 and recorded 47 tackles and three pass deflections. He finished his college career at Nebraska after his two years as a Sooner.

McCullough replaces former OU running back coach DeMarco Murray, who left for Kansas City in the NFL after coaching Sooner running backs in 2020-25. 

McCullough is the Sooners' third position coach hire in 2026, as they are also set to hire Jason Witten for tight ends and LaMar Morgan for defensive backs.

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