DeMarco Murray, the running back coach at OU, declined the Michigan Wolverines’ astounding $2 million offer.
Despite the striking appearance and the status of playing for one of the major collegiate football powerhouses, MURRAY put loyalty above of
DeMarco Murray’s decision to remain at the University of Oklahoma—rejecting a substantial offer from Penn State (and speculation linking him to other Big Ten jobs)—is a striking display of loyalty, conviction, and long-term intention. Though the reported offer was transformative in financial terms, Murray chose a path often absent from modern college football: staying true to his roots, trusting his trajectory at his alma mater, and investing in a vision built over time.
Murray’s ties to Oklahoma run deep. As a player from 2006 to 2010, he cemented his place among the program’s all-time greats—holding records in touchdowns, all-purpose yards, and kickoff return average. His distinguished NFL career followed: three Pro Bowl selections, NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2014, and a reputation for elite performance. He stepped into coaching in 2019 at Arizona and returned in 2020 to Norman as the running backs coach for the Sooners. That history means more than credentials—it represents home. Reports make clear the strength of that attachment: sources tied to him explained he is building a house in Norman, and that he, his wife, and their children love the community and culture of Oklahoma. It’s not just a job—it’s a rooted life.
Despite being extensively courted, Murray elected to stay. In February 2025 he was formally pursued by Penn State to fill their vacant running backs coach role. James Franklin reportedly held multiple conversations with him, and Penn State made a strong pitch, hoping to land a high-profile hire to serve returning elite backs. Yet Murray declined and opted out of that opportunit
What made this decision especially notable is that it echoed a similar choice a year earlier. In 2024, when Ohio State considered Murray for its running backs coach opening, he received a significant contract extension and raise at Oklahoma (from $500K to $800K), and in turn declined the Buckeyes’ interest. Again, he remained in Norman. Those two refusals of Big Ten positions—often presented as prestige-makers in coaching careers—underscore the deliberate choice Murray made: stability, alignment, and purpose over upward portability defined by salary alone.
At face value, Penn State’s offer was massive. While specifics vary in reporting, comparable vacancies and interest suggest an offer possibly exceeding $1 million annually. That made Oklahoma’s retention package meaningful but still lower than what he could have commanded elsewhere. Yet the depth of Murray’s decision goes beyond dollars. It reflects belief in the people around him—especially new offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle—and belief in Oklahoma’s direction as it transitions into the SEC. Multiple sources cite that his rapport with Arbuckle and Coach Venables played a significant role South, SI)
On the field, keeping Murray preserves continuity in Oklahoma’s position room. Since taking over in 2020, he has coached backfield talent such as Kennedy Brooks, Rhamondre Stevenson, Eric Gray, and handfuls of 1,000-yard seasons under his tutelage. Despite a subpar team season in 2024, the talent pipeline—bolstered by recruits like Taylor Tatum, Xavier Robinson, and Tory Blaylock—reflects his recruiting prowess. He is credited with signing national-level backs and delivering a strong regional class each year
Some criticisms have emerged regarding player development and rotation decisions. Reddit threads reflecting fan sentiment underscore dissent: while many praise his recruiting connections, others flag inconsistent development, odd rotation strategies, and failure to consistently start the most effective backs. One Reddit user summarized, “Great recruiter, bad developer,” and questioned his choice of backs game to game. The debates reflect that the role of RB coach is not just recruiting—it’s also assigning the right personnel to fit the system. Yet Murray’s choice to remain shows confidence in the broader staff, and in the belief the challenges are solvable within the current structure.
Institutionally, Oklahoma has clearly bought into him. He is one of only two staff members, as of early 2025, still on his initial three-year contract, which expires in 2026. That longevity, especially amid turnover under head coach Brent Venables, positions him as a cornerstone of continuity.(SI, SI)
These loyalty-driven decisions stand out in a college football season marked by NIL deals, portal transfers, and coaching turnover. Coaching staffs today move often, and positions—even successful ones—are traded rapidly. Murray’s refusal to jump to a higher-paying job bucks this trend. It says he values stability and impact over quick wins. That message resonates with players, recruits, and fans: for future recruits and current roster members, knowing the RB coach stays put carries recruiting weight. Incoming freshmen like Tatum and Robinson can expect continuity through their college careers, not a new position coach each year.
His decision also signals a broader cultural statement: that loyalty, rootedness, and long-term vision still matter at a time when transactional relationships dominate. Murray didn’t leave after adversity—he stayed through a one-game suspension in August 2024 for NCAA recruiting violations. During that period, the NCAA found he impermissibly contacted dozens of prospects across phone and text messaging, attributing the violations to confusion stemming from rule changes during the pandemic era. Despite criticism and scrutiny, he held his position and extended his role
That level of allegiance showcases personal integrity. He could have taken a new start, cast off past mistakes, and begun fresh at another program. Instead he remained in place, helping Oklahoma navigate both external and internal transitions.
From a legacy perspective, Murray’s choice builds a narrative: former star player returns home, helps rebuild program identity, and stays when lured by prestige and salary. The longer he stays and the stronger Oklahoma performs in the SEC, the more powerful his legacy accrues—not just in wins and losses, but in symbolism. If Oklahoma turns the corner under Venables, Arbuckle, and Murray’s coaching staff, it positions him uniquely in any managerial future conversations—possibly as an offensive coordinator or head coach candidate—but on his own terms and with deeper credibility.
Meanwhile, the programs that pursued him—Ohio State and Penn State—moved on. Penn State ultimately hired Stan Drayton; Ohio State chose another candidate in 2024. That only further cements that Murray’s intended future lies in Oklahoma, not chasing the next offer.
This story is also about boundaries. Many coaches use outside interest to leverage better deals. Murray did too—his 2024 raise and contract renewal clearly responded to overtures from Ohio State. But in 2025, instead of allowing those same dynamics to steer him out, he affirmed they weren’t reason enough to leave. Another Reddit reflection noted his agent likely used the public interest to prompt pay raises—but the underlying intention remained staying in Norman, not moving.
By choosing loyalty when it was still his most valuable asset, Murray distinguishes himself from coaches who depart at the first signal of opportunity. That choice communicates: character matters. In today’s intercollegiate sports climate, where NIL monetization and transfer dynamics fuel movement, holding firm on location and mission is rare—and earns respect.
Now as 2025 approaches, Murray is locked in at Oklahoma through at least 2026. He’s earned respect as a recruiter and has shown consistency in player output when conditions allow. His commitment signals that Oklahoma, through its staff, remains serious about continuity in a turbulent era. For players and recruits, that means trust in program stability. For peers, it shows loyalty can outlast financial temptation. For fans, it means a storied figure is invested in the future, not just legacy building.
DeMarco Murray’s decision to reject multi‑million-dollar Big Ten offers and stay at Oklahoma is more than loyalty—it’s an intentional statement. It says that family, community investment, and belief in mission matter more than mobility. It shows that love for an institution—and conviction in what’s being built—trump the allure of compensation. In the evolving world of college football, where change is constant, Murray’s stance is resolute.
There is risk inherent in his choice. If Oklahoma struggles in SEC play, or if recruiting and offensive execution stall, critics may question whether his loyalty was misplaced. Yet if the program flourishes, Murray will emerge as a symbol: someone who stayed and built rather than someone who chased a bigger title. That path builds deeper legacy.
In the human arc, we often remember those who stood firm when pressure pushed them toward change. DeMarco Murray’s decision to stay at Oklahoma—refusing high-profile offers from Penn State and earlier from Ohio State—is a compelling testament to that principle. Rooted in home, community, and purpose, he chose identity over incremental gain, continuity over novelty, and principle over profit. And that choice, in the modern collegiate landscape, is powerful, rare, and worth honoring.
