Oklahoma running backs coach DeMarco Murray has decided to stay put.
The former OU football standout had been offered a coaching spot at Ohio State, but Murray has reportedly turned it down.
In January, Murray, who was hired by Lincoln Riley in 2020, received a pay bump, raising his yearly salary from $500,00 to $575,000 through 2025. Despite being the second-longest tenured assistant on the Sooners’ staff and an instrumental part of recruiting OU’s backfield, Murray was the lowest paid offensive coach.
However, as the Buckeyes made a threat to take Murray from his alma mater, Pete Nakos with On3 reported that he will be receiving a new three-year contract.
Oklahoma has offered running backs coach DeMarco Murray a new three-year contract, @On3sports has learned. His name had been tied to the Ohio State opening in recent days. He is staying in Norman.More: https://t.co/RG1zP0qQle pic.twitter.com/Xlwz2AZW5S
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) March 20, 2024
After spending seven seasons in the NFL, Murray began his coaching career at Arizona in 2019. A year later, he joined OU’s staff.
The coach has developed running backs like current New York Giant Eric Gray and Kennedy Brooks, who is currently a free agent, He will also bring back Jovantae Barnes, who dealt with a toe injury last season, and Gavin Sawchuk, who rushed for 744 yards and nine touchdowns.
Murray was crucial in signing 2024 four-star running back Taylor Tatum and will be entering his fourth season with the Sooners.
Oklahoma's spring game will be at 1 p.m. on April 20 at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman.
