KANSAS CITY CHIEFS HIRE DEMARCO MURRAY AS RUNNING BACK COACH: A MOVE THAT RAISES QUESTIONS FOR THE FUTURE

🚨 DISAPPOINTMENT IN THE KINGDOM: The Kansas City Chiefs made a significant and surprising decision on Wednesday night by hiring DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma Sooners’ running backs coach, to take over the same role on Andy Reid’s coaching staff for the 2026 season. For many, this decision left a bitter taste, especially considering the high expectations surrounding the Chiefs’ backfield and the development of young talent.

What once appeared to be a promising setup for Brashard Smith under the tutelage of Eric Bieniemy, the Chiefs’ new offensive coordinator, may no longer be the path forward. While Bieniemy, a former star running back, will still work closely with the running backs, it’s Reid who will continue to call plays. That creates an uncomfortable dynamic for Smith, who may have lost the opportunity to change the narrative of his development under Reid’s watch.

Adding fuel to the fire, the appointment of DeMarco Murray as the Chiefs’ new running backs coach raises further concerns. Murray’s reputation in the development of running backs has been questioned in recent years, leaving many wondering if Smith’s potential can be unlocked under his guidance.

THE REACTION IN NORMAN AND MURRAY’S LACK OF DEVELOPMENT SUCCESS

The backlash in Norman, Oklahoma, has been loud, and it’s hard to ignore. DeMarco Murray has failed to develop a 1,000-yard rusher since 2022. Even then, that was largely due to Eric Gray, a player transferred into Oklahoma by Lincoln Riley the previous season. As Riley took over at USC before the 2022 season, Oklahoma’s once-feared rushing attack began to fall apart.

While some of the blame can be attributed to Murray’s lack of development skills, there were also other factors at play in Norman. For example, Brent Venables, Oklahoma’s head coach, brought in several new play-callers and offensive position coaches who were hit-or-miss at best. Meanwhile, during the 2024 and 2025 seasons, SEC defenses began to clamp down, making offensive consistency even harder to come by.

However, what’s most concerning is the fact that Murray, despite these struggles, has somehow managed to “fail upwards.” His failure to maximize the skills of Jaydn Ott, a talented transfer from the Cal Golden Bears, is particularly alarming. Ott had zero touchdowns in the 2025 season, a waste of his potential that stands out as a red flag for Murray’s coaching abilities.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR BRASHARD SMITH’S DEVELOPMENT

For Brashard Smith, who is entering his second year with the Kansas City Chiefs, this new hire is far from ideal. As a player with plenty of potential but still needing refinement, Smith’s development may now be in jeopardy. Without the steady guidance of a coach known for developing running backs, Smith may have to rely on his natural talents and existing skill set to perform.

Despite this, Smith proved in 2025 that he can be a weapon in the passing game. He registered 19 receptions for 161 yards, showing his ability to make plays out of the backfield as a pass-catching threat. While this skill can help him stay involved in the offense, it might not be enough if Murray fails to enhance his overall running ability.

For the Chiefs, it’s critical that they develop Smith into a more complete running back, especially given the vulnerability of Patrick Mahomes following his ACL and LCL injuries. Mahomes, now 30, can no longer carry the team on his back alone. A well-rounded running back who can contribute in both the ground game and the passing game could take some pressure off the aging star quarterback.

Unfortunately, Smith’s development as a traditional running back may not be nurtured by Murray’s resume. Given the Chiefs’ Super Bowl aspirations, the team cannot afford to let the running back position remain a weakness.

A QUESTIONABLE DECISION: CAN MURRAY HELP THE CHIEFS SUCCEED?

Looking at this decision from a broader perspective, it’s easy to see why there are concerns. The Kansas City Chiefs could have made a more informed choice by hiring someone with a proven track record of developing running backs rather than someone known more for their playing legacy than their coaching accomplishments. In this case, DeMarco Murray’s playing career as a former NFL star doesn’t necessarily translate into success on the coaching side of things.

But, at the end of the day, it’s Andy Reid and the rest of the coaching staff who will be tasked with ensuring the success of this new hire. Murray will have the chance to prove his worth, but based on his recent history, there is legitimate doubt surrounding his ability to develop talent.

For now, it remains to be seen how Murray’s appointment will impact the Chiefs’ running back room in the long run. With Brashard Smith needing to improve quickly, the pressure is on for DeMarco Murray to deliver results—results that are essential for the Chiefs to maintain their Super Bowl hopes.

Time will ultimately tell if this move was a misstep or if Murray can surprise everyone and fulfill the Chiefs’ needs. However, for now, it’s safe to say that many fans are left with questions and doubts about this decision.