BREAKING NEWS: OU Running Backs Coach DeMarco Murray Rejects Jaw-Dropping $2 Million Offer from Michigan Wolverines
NORMAN, OK – July 13, 2025 – In a powerful testament to loyalty and strategic commitment, Oklahoma Sooners’ Running Backs Coach DeMarco Murray has reportedly spurned a colossal $2 million annual offer from the rival Michigan Wolverines. This audacious bid from Ann Arbor was a clear attempt to poach one of college football’s most respected and rapidly ascending offensive minds, but Murray’s decision to remain with the Sooners underscores a deeper belief in Head Coach Brent Venables’ vision and the established culture in Norman.
The news, initially whispered among coaching circles and later corroborated by multiple national sports outlets, has sent reverberations across the college football landscape, particularly within the competitive SEC (as OU prepares for its transition) and Big Ten. The Wolverines’ aggressive pursuit of Murray was a clear indication of their desire to inject fresh offensive creativity and a proven developer of talent into their coaching ranks, especially at the crucial running back position. The $2 million figure, an exceptionally high salary for a position coach, highlights Murray’s rapidly ascending stock after years of consistent success in developing elite ball carriers at Oklahoma.
“It was an incredibly compelling offer, one that would make almost any coach seriously consider a move,” a source familiar with the negotiations revealed, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Michigan laid out a very attractive package and a significant role within their offensive structure. But DeMarco has a profound belief in what Coach Venables is building and continues to build at Oklahoma. He sees the continuity, the player development, and the championship aspirations here, and that clearly outweighed the financial incentive to move to a new program, especially one so far from the foundation he’s helped lay.”
Murray, a former Oklahoma standout and NFL Pro Bowl running back, returned to his alma mater with immense fanfare and quickly translated his legendary playing career into coaching success. He has established himself as an indispensable component of the Sooners’ coaching staff. Under his guidance, Oklahoma’s running back room has consistently produced top-tier talent, showcasing improved efficiency, explosive plays, and a notable leap in overall performance. His ability to connect with and mentor young ball carriers, drawing from his own experiences at the highest levels of the game, has made him a highly sought-after commodity in the coaching market.
The Michigan Wolverines’ ambition to solidify their offensive staff and ensure continued success is well-documented. After a season marked by [hypothetical reason for seeking a new RB coach, e.g., a desire for more consistent ground game production or a specific scheme fit], the Wolverines were keen to make a splash hire that would energize their fanbase and provide a clear direction for their program’s offensive attack. Murray, with his proven track record of running back development and his expertise in offensive scheme design, was reportedly at the very top of their wishlist. The reported $2 million offer was a testament to how highly Michigan valued his capabilities and how much they believed he could contribute to their championship aspirations.
However, Murray’s decision to stay speaks volumes about the environment and stability within the Oklahoma Sooners organization. While the financial aspect is always a consideration in professional sports, sources indicate that Murray’s deep loyalty to Coach Venables, his comfort with the established culture, the consistent talent acquisition, and the burgeoning opportunity to compete for SEC and national championships were paramount. The unique camaraderie and the unwavering commitment to building a winning program in Norman likely outweighed the allure of a significant pay raise and a new challenge at a different institution.
“Coach Murray is more than just a coach to us; he’s a true leader who truly understands how to put us in the best position to succeed,” said a prominent Oklahoma player, who requested anonymity to speak freely. “He’s invested in us as players and as people. Knowing he’s staying means everything. He’s a huge reason why we believe we can win it all.”
The news has been met with a collective sigh of relief and widespread celebration from the Oklahoma fanbase, who had grown increasingly anxious about the possibility of losing a key offensive architect. Social media platforms were abuzz with messages praising Murray’s loyalty and commitment to the “Boomer Sooner” spirit. For Wolverines fans, the rejection is a bitter pill to swallow, highlighting the ongoing challenges they face in attracting top-tier coaching talent away from deeply entrenched and successful programs, even with substantial financial offers.
This decision also has broader implications for the escalating salaries of assistant coaches in college football. The $2 million offer to a running backs coach sets a new, albeit rejected, benchmark for what programs are willing to pay to secure and retain top-tier talent. Murray’s refusal, despite the record-setting sum, suggests that factors beyond pure economics—such as loyalty, established relationships, and a belief in a program’s long-term vision—are increasingly influencing coaching decisions, especially for those already in highly desirable positions within stable and championship-contending organizations.
For DeMarco Murray, the focus now returns squarely to the upcoming season. With a talented roster at his disposal and an established offensive system, expectations for the Sooners’ offense and overall program will be high. His decision to remain in Norman reinforces the perception of stability and strength within the program, sending a clear message to recruits, players, and opponents alike: the Sooners are building something enduring, and their key architects are fully committed to its continued evolution and success as they embark on their new journey in the SEC. The college football world will be watching closely to see the dividends of this pivotal decision.
