Penn State is pursuing former NFL star DeMarco Murray for its vacant running backs coach position, according to On3. Murray has held multiple conversations with head coach James Franklin about joining the Nittany Lions’ staff.
The position opened after Ja’Juan Seider left for Notre Dame. Murray would inherit Penn State’s backfield duo of Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, who combined for 2,207 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns while averaging 5.7 yards per carry last season.
Murray currently serves as running backs coach at Oklahoma, his alma mater, where he’s built a reputation for recruiting and player development. Under his guidance in 2021, Oklahoma’s running backs averaged 5.4 yards per carry with 19 rushing touchdowns.
Murray’s Playing Career
At Oklahoma, Murray helped lead the Sooners to three Big 12 championships, rushing for 3,685 yards and 65 total touchdowns. His NFL career spanned seven seasons, primarily with the Dallas Cowboys, where he accumulated 7,174 yards and 49 touchdowns. He earned NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2014 and still holds the Cowboys’ rookie single-game rushing record (253 yards).
The potential hire would continue Franklin’s staff overhaul. Penn State recently brought in Andy Kotelnicki from Kansas as offensive coordinator and hired Jim Knowles from Ohio State to replace Tom Allen as defensive coordinator.
Penn State finished one game short of reaching the College Football Playoff last season. The Nittany Lions return significant talent for 2024, positioning them as early playoff contenders.
“We know what it takes to compete at the highest level,” Franklin said earlier this year. “We’re building something special here.”
Murray’s coaching experience includes stops at Arizona and Oklahoma since retiring from the NFL.
