DeMarco Murray, the running back coach at OU, declined the Michigan Wolverines’ astounding $2 million offer.
Despite the striking appearance and the honor of being a part of one of the major forces in
DeMarco Murray, the revered former NFL running back and current running backs coach for the Oklahoma Sooners, reportedly declined an impressive $2 million offer from the University of Michigan to become their running backs coach. That decision, and the circumstances surrounding it, deserve a deep exploration—not just because of the sheer monetary figure, but because it says a lot about Murray’s motivations, his ties to Oklahoma, and the broader context of coaching careers and college football culture. Strap in—for the next few minutes we’re going inside Murray’s journey, the reasons behind his decline, the significance of Michigan’s offer, and what this means for modern college coaching.
Murray’s Background and Connection to Oklahoma
Born in Las Vegas in February 1988, DeMarco Murray displayed early brilliance as a multi-dimensional athlete. He attended Bishop Gorman High School before committing to the University of Oklahoma, where from 2006 to 2010 he racked up 3,685 rushing yards and 65 touchdowns, totaling 6,718 all-purpose yards—becoming OU’s all-time leader in several major categoriesis senior season was outstanding: 1,214 rushing yards, 71 receptions totaling 594 yards, and 20 total touchdowns, capped by the 2011 Fiesta Bowl triumph
The Cowboys drafted him in the third round in 2011. Over the next seven NFL seasons, he starred with Dallas, Philadelphia, and Tennessee. His highlight came in 2014 with Dallas, when he earned NFL Offensive Player of the Year, leading the league in both rushing yards and touchdowns By the time he retired in 2018, after finishing with the Chiefs and winning Super Bowl LIV, he had amassed 7,174 rushing yards and 49 rushing touchdowns
Murray returned to his alma mater in January 2020, stepping into the role of running backs coach, a position he reprised after an initial year coaching at Arizona . His connection to OK was more than just historic brilliance; it was familial. He’d grown up in Oklahoma coaching cultures, knew the territory, had existing relationships with players and staff, and understood the community.
Michigan’s Offer: Money Meets Opportunity
Details on Michigan’s offer are limited, but reports label it “astounding” and estimate it at around $2 million annually. For a position group coach, this number is substantial—well above the national average for running backs coaches (typically $800K to $1.2M at top Power Five programs). But pay variance is enormous, and Michigan, under coach Jim Harbaugh, has often shown willingness to invest heavily in assistant coaches to maintain competitive edge—especially against peers like Ohio State, Alabama, and Clemson. Offering Murray $2 million signals a strategic move: Murray brings national renown, hands-on experience, championship success, and star power—all of which appeal to recruits and media alike.
That said, a salary increase, even of this size, is just one part of the puzzle.
Why Murray Said No
Here are several intertwined reasons why Murray chose Oklahoma over Michigan’s tempting package:
Murray’s allegiance to OU runs deep—he starred there as a player, and has since embraced the culture as a coach. He is part of the Oklahoma “family”—that includes alumni, fans, mentors, and players he once inspired. Emotionally and professionally, returning to “The Program” feels less like a job, and more like a calling or
Oklahoma recently hired Ben Arbuckle as offensive coordinator, and Murray has publicly emphasized their strong working relationship. Reports indicate that recruiters and current players have responded positively to their dynamic (SI). In coaching careers, staff cohesion matters; departing a developing alliance for high pay at a rival may undercut long-term potential.
3. Potential upward mobility at OU
By staying, Murray stays in line for future promotions—offensive coordinator, even head coach one day. OU is in transition, building for the future, and Murray can be a central piece of that growth. Michigan is a blue-chip program, but OU is his program; the leadership path is more personal, plausible, and perhaps more rewarding emotionally.
4. Avoiding disruption
Coaching transitions aren’t like switching departments; they uproot recruiting pipelines, relationships, and family life. Students, recruits, assistant coaches, operations support—all feel the reverberation. Murray may have weighed the cost of disrupting momentum at OU vs. starting anew in Ann Arbor.
5. Long-term rewards
While $2 million is sizable now, a coach’s trajectory isn’t purely upward in pay. Offers to top assistants at national powerhouses (OC, DC positions) often exceed $3–4 million. By staying and thriving at OU, Murray could command even more later.
Broader Implications: Money vs. Loyalty
Murray’s decision highlights how top-tier assistants now wield bargaining power—like pro head coaches, their decisions hinge on financial, career, and personal factors. But money isn’t everything. For many, loyalty to institution and vision outweighs short-term monetary gain. It indicates a maturation in coaching career calculus—where building legacy and long-term identity is as compelling as headline contracts.
Also, this situation underscores the shifting finance of college football. As TV deals inflate program revenue, schools are competing to offer rising salaries to assistants with track records, star status, and recruiting appeal. But inflated offers don’t always deliver expected results; monkeying with staff dynamics can backfire—Murray’s decline shows that alignment of vision and environment remains key.
Michigan’s Gamble
Michigan put a lot on the table. They saw value in Murray’s profile: He’s played and coached in the conference, understands Big 12 and national recruitment, has All-American credibility, and knows how to build a dominant running game. They may have hoped he’d transmit enthusiasm, recruits, and national cachet to Ann Arbor.
But he said no, showing that compensation is multi-dimensional. For Michigan, that rebuff may represent a missed opportunity—but it also signals that any coach they hire must fit the program, staff, and vision beyond the paycheck. Harbaugh may now need to recalibrate.
Names sell: Programs are increasingly willing to pay big for assistants who played or coached at elite levels. Carrying star status can justify investment.Buyouts & clauses: Offers often include escrow-worthy buyouts if coaches leave prematurely. We don’t know Michigan’s exact structure, but it likely came with financial safeguards. Putting up big with strings attached is a rising norm.Staff stability matters: A hot hire can destabilize a program if it causes turnover. OU keeping Murray helps defend continuity, NCAA compliance, and recruitment.Career architecture: Assistants now shape long-term game-plans. They don’t just wait for head coach openings—they make strategic choices. Murray’s decision shows prioritizing long-term fit and progression over immediate payout.
Could Murray Ever Reconsider?
Always a possibility—but the window narrows with time. If Michigan resurfaces with an OC or associate HC title, with $3+ million and better control, maybe. But Murray’s move to stay implies his eyes are on future coordinator promotions—or potentially head coach roles at mid-major programs first (e.g. Houston, Maryland). If OU offers him broader responsibility (OC or co-OC duties), his decision to stay becomes even more justified.
For OU fans: This is a win—not just retaining Murray, but reinforcing a culture of loyalty and vision. He’s cementing his reputation as a cornerstone of future success.For Michigan: Time to pivot—but they demonstrated ambition. That alone may resonate with future coaching targets. Plus, pulling off a high-profile negotiation signals seriousness, even if it didn’t close.For coaches in general: The Murray case is instructive. When evaluating moves, weigh “pay vs. purpose”—financials matter, but so do culture, mobility, fit, and loyalty. Part of your personal brand is knowing when to stay.
In Summary
DeMarco Murray’s decision to decline a lucrative $2 million offer from Michigan underscores how modern college coaches evaluate their career beyond immediate salaries. Money is significant, but loyalty to their program, alignment with coaching staff, future upward mobility, and personal ties often weigh heavier. Oklahoma retains a key piece in its future; Michigan learns that investment isn’t always enough—fit and vision must align.
Ultimately, this episode isn’t just about paydays—it’s about legacy, identity, and the evolving dynamics of college football. Murray chose his roots over riches, his craft over cash, and continuity over disruption. That says a lot about how he views coaching: not as a paycheck, but as a path—one he plans to walk on his own terms.
