DeMarco Murray named Arizona Wildcats running backs coach

Kevin Sumlin has added one of his own products to be his new running backs coach: DeMarco Murray.

The coaching vacancy comes on the heels of Clarence McKinney’s departure to become the new head coach at Texas Southern.

Murray was recruited by and played for Sumlin at Oklahoma in 2007.

“DeMarco brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our running back room,” Sumlin said in the school’s press release.

“That, with his attention to detail, passion for the game and passion for impacting others will make him a great addition. Our entire staff is excited for him to join our organization.”

Murray is one of the all-time great Oklahoma running backs and went on to a seven-year NFL career.

In his four years as a Sooner, Murray rushed for 3,685 yards and 15 touchdowns and accumulated 157 receptions for 1,571 yards (a school record for a running back) and 13 touchdowns.

Murray also had 1,462 return yards in 53 attempts, giving him a school record of a 27.6-yard return average.

He is the Oklahoma Sooners all-time leader in touchdowns (65) and all-purpose yards (6,718) as well.

In 2008, Murray and Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford helped lead the Sooners to the BCS National Championship Game.

Unfortunately for Murray, he was unable to play as he suffered a partial rupture of his left hamstring tendon in the Big-12 Championship Game.

Over the course of his seven-year NFL career, Murray played for the Cowboys, Eagles and Titans.

He finished with a career 7,174 rushing yards with 49 touchdowns and 307 receptions for 2,165 yards and six touchdowns, giving him 9,339 all-purpose yards in his tenure.

In 2014, he led the league in rushing yards (1,845) and rushing touchdowns (13) and was named Offensive Player of the Year.

Murray also set Cowboys franchise records for rushing yards and all-purpose yards (2,261) in a single season in 2014.

After retiring following the 2017 season, Murray spent the 2018 season as a college football analyst for Fox Sports.

Murray will be inheriting J.J. Taylor and Gary Brightwell, two talented running backs that will look to lead the Wildcats rushing attack in 2019.

“I’m humbled to have the opportunity to start my coaching career with Coach Sumlin and the University of Arizona,” Murray said in the school’s press release.

“My family and I are thrilled to become a part of the Tucson community, and I can’t wait to get started. Bear Down!”

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