The Oklahoma Sooners are set to make a splash with the expected addition of Deland McCullough as their new running backs coach. This move would bring a seasoned veteran with a stellar coaching pedigree to Norman, as reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel and FOX Sports’ Bruce Feldman.
McCullough boasts an impressive resume, having clinched a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs and held coaching roles at prestigious programs like Notre Dame, USC, and Indiana. His most recent stint was with the Las Vegas Raiders as their running backs coach. At Notre Dame, he served as associate head coach in 2024, where he mentored standout back Jeremiyah Love.
In the NFL, McCullough has worked with top-tier talent, including Kareem Hunt, Damien Williams, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. If the hire is finalized, he’ll step into a role left vacant by DeMarco Murray, who departed for a position with the Chiefs. McCullough will join DeShawn Williams, LaMar Morgan, and Jason Witten as new additions to the Sooners' 2025-2026 staff.
McCullough’s development track record is nothing short of remarkable. Since 2011, he’s been instrumental in producing 15 seasons where his running backs rushed for over 1,000 yards. His coaching prowess was particularly evident during his time with the Chiefs, where his units excelled in yards after contact and efficiency, contributing to three consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances.
Beyond his coaching accolades, McCullough’s personal story is equally compelling. Raised in Youngstown, Ohio, after being adopted, he discovered later in life that his mentor, Sherman Smith, was his biological father. This revelation added a profound chapter to his life, as Smith had been a guiding force throughout his career.
On the field, McCullough was a standout at Miami (Ohio), becoming the program’s all-time leading rusher with 4,368 yards and earning three All-MAC selections. His professional playing career included stints with the Cincinnati Bengals, Philadelphia Eagles, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and the XFL’s Chicago Enforcers.
The Sooners are poised to benefit from McCullough’s wealth of experience and unique journey, as he brings his expertise to a program eager to make strides in the upcoming seasons.