It's often hard to generate much interest around the hiring of positional coaches, but an intriguing (and odd) turn has taken place this season involving the Kansas City Chiefs' pursuit of a fresh face on Andy Reid's staff to coach the team's running backs.
Earlier this winter, it was reported that the Chiefs were interested in interviewing Deland McCullough to take over as running backs coach as part of a larger overhaul of Reid's staff after a disappointing six-win season. McCullough was a familiar face who had previously served in the same role from 2018-2020, and the Chiefs needed to find someone to take over for the recently fired Todd Pinkston.
McCullough was under contract as the Las Vegas Raiders' running backs coach, a stint that began in 2025, and after news broke of Kansas City's interest, nothing else came from it. The Chiefs waited a while before then announcing the surprising hire of DeMarco Murray as the team's new RB coach.
An unexpectedly odd game of musical chairs is playing out with the Chiefs and a pair of running backs coaches.
Murray was previously coaching the same position at his alma mater, the University of Oklahoma, for the previous six seasons. He'd spurned other offers over the years to remain there, but left to join Andy Reid and company for a new challenge. Now, it appears things have come full circle.
Bruce Feldman of The Athletic is reporting that McCullough has decided to leave the Raiders' staff in order to become—wait for it—the running backs coach for Oklahoma. Somehow, the very coach the Chiefs were initially pursuing decided to replace the one they hired. It's an unexpected game of musical chairs that brings McCullough back to the college ranks after previously serving as running backs coach for both Indiana and then Notre Dame from 2021-24.
McCullough's decision to leave the Raiders isn't surprising, as the team has installed Klint Kubiak as a new head coach who is going to bring his own staff on board following the firing of Pete Carroll. However, it is weird that interest from the Chiefs would go public if things were going to go south. It's also notable that McCullough didn't seem any part of the reunion happening in K.C., anchored by the return of Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator.
As for the Chiefs, they might have missed out on McCullough, but fans should be glad to see Murray all the same. Some outside perspective was needed for an insular staff, and both Murray and new wide receivers coach Chad O'Shea should provide some of that as the team gets to work on repairing a sunken ship for a new journey in 2026.