In the world of NFL coaching, positional hires don't always grab the headlines. However, the Kansas City Chiefs have stirred up some intrigue with their latest moves on Andy Reid's staff. The search for a new running backs coach has taken a few unexpected turns, keeping fans and insiders on their toes.
Earlier this winter, the Chiefs showed interest in bringing back Deland McCullough, who previously served as their running backs coach from 2018 to 2020. After a challenging six-win season, the Chiefs were looking to overhaul their coaching staff, and McCullough seemed like a natural fit to replace the recently departed Todd Pinkston.
McCullough was under contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, having joined them in 2025. Despite Kansas City's interest, nothing materialized, and the Chiefs eventually made a surprising move by hiring DeMarco Murray as their new running backs coach.
Murray, a standout at the University of Oklahoma, had been coaching there for six seasons. He had turned down other opportunities to stay with his alma mater but decided to embrace a new challenge with Andy Reid and the Chiefs.
In a twist that could only be described as a coaching carousel, McCullough has now left the Raiders to become the running backs coach at Oklahoma, effectively swapping places with Murray. McCullough returns to the college ranks after stints at Indiana and Notre Dame from 2021 to 2024.
McCullough's departure from the Raiders isn't entirely unexpected. With Klint Kubiak taking over as head coach, a new staff was anticipated following Pete Carroll's exit. Yet, the public nature of the Chiefs' interest in McCullough adds a layer of intrigue to the situation, especially with Eric Bieniemy's return as Kansas City's offensive coordinator.
For the Chiefs, missing out on McCullough might be a blessing in disguise. DeMarco Murray brings fresh perspective to a staff in need of revitalization.
Alongside new wide receivers coach Chad O'Shea, Murray is set to help steer the Chiefs back on course for a promising 2026 season. Fans have reason to be optimistic as the team embarks on this new journey.