In a move that caught many by surprise, Oklahoma has filled its running backs coach position with a seasoned NFL talent. Following DeMarco Murray's departure to the Kansas City Chiefs, Sooners head coach Brent Venables tapped into the professional ranks, bringing in Deland McCullough, the former Las Vegas Raiders running backs coach.
McCullough's stint with the Raiders was brief but impactful, as he helped rookie Ashton Jeanty rush for 975 yards and score five touchdowns, earning an All-Rookie nod. Jeanty, who wasn't known for his receiving skills in college, also impressed with 55 receptions for 346 yards and five touchdowns in his debut NFL season.
Before his time in Las Vegas, McCullough made a significant mark at Notre Dame, serving as the running backs coach and later as the associate head coach. His tenure included guiding the Fighting Irish to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in 2024 and coaching standout players like Jeremiyah Love, the 2025 Doak Walker Award winner.
McCullough's coaching résumé is extensive, with stops at Indiana, the Kansas City Chiefs, and USC. His track record includes mentoring top-tier talents like Love, Jeanty, Audric Estime, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kareem Hunt, and Tevin Coleman. Impressively, he's produced a 1,000-yard rusher 16 times, a feat the Sooners haven't achieved since 2022.
Back in 2014, McCullough was instrumental in Tevin Coleman's remarkable 2,000-yard season at Indiana, working under then-head coach Kevin Wilson, now an offensive analyst at OU. This prior connection undoubtedly played a role in McCullough's move to Norman. Adding a personal touch, two of McCullough’s sons were Sooners before transferring, including linebacker Dasan McCullough.
McCullough’s journey to Oklahoma was also influenced by a change in the Raiders' coaching staff. Interestingly, he was a contender for the Chiefs' running backs coach position before Murray's hiring, paving the way for his current opportunity with the Sooners.
This offseason, Venables has seen two of his position coaches leave for the NFL, with replacements coming as unexpected yet strategic choices. Alongside McCullough, the Sooners also brought in NFL legend Jason Witten as the new tight ends coach. These bold moves, including the appointment of new athletic director Roger Denny, have kept Sooner fans on their toes, signaling an exciting new chapter for Oklahoma football.