Chiefs are targeting the perfect candidate to try and help fix what’s been an issue for years
The Chiefs haven’t been able to run the ball for a while now.
The Kansas City Chiefs’ biggest offensive issue has been their weak run game, but that could change in 2026 with former RB coach Eric Bieniemy now the offensive coordinator. He also recently improved the Chicago Bears’ run game.
The Chiefs have found an RB coach candidate that they really like, who could potentially help fix the issues at hand.
According to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports, Oklahoma Sooners running backs coach for the last six seasons and former Sooners RB DeMarco Murray, has emerged as one of the coaches of interest to the Chiefs for their running backs coach opening. The position was previously held by Todd Pinkston, who was let go after the Chiefs had yet to fix their running game after a few seasons.
What DeMarco Murray brings to help the Chiefs
Pinkston, a former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver, wasn’t even a running back. It starts with getting someone in the building who knows the position. In 2025, the Chiefs finished 25th in rushing yards per game at 106 RYPG. In 2024, they were even worse at 101. 2023 saw them 17th in RYPG.
Bieniemy and, now possibly, Murray, both former running backs, may bring the needed expertise to the issue at hand. Murray played for the Tennessee Titans, Dallas Cowboys, and Eagles during his seven-year career. His playing career gives him experience as both a player and coach at the position, allowing him to connect with current running backs at the highest level.
The downside to this potential hire is that Murray has been somewhat on the hot seat at OU for a few seasons now. Many have not been happy with how he’s developed the Sooners’ running backs over the years, nor with some of the RB rotations and lineups he’s put out. Not to mention, last season the Sooners had one of the worst rushing offenses in the country. OU finished 104th in RYPG, with 119 per contest.
But the Chiefs like what they see, and who knows, maybe Murray is more of an NFL coach fit than college. There are certainly coaches who are more one than the other, as there is a big difference. Murray is a former Sooner, and you could say he probably has his dream job right now. But this is the NFL we are talking about. This is the dynasty Kansas City Chiefs we are talking about. This could be an opportunity too good to pass up, with the potential for a pay raise.
Expect a decision on this soon, as both sides need to continue preparing for what could happen to their staff.
Kansas City Chiefs News
Kansas City Chiefs coaches are spelling out exactly what rookie RB Brashard Smith needs to do to play a bigger role in 2026
The Kansas City Chiefs are showing Brashard Smith exactly what he needs to do during the 2026 NFL offseason.
