BREAKING: DeMarco Murray Shocks College Football World, Rejects $2 Million Michigan Offer to Remain Loyal to Oklahoma Sooners
In a stunning twist that has sent shockwaves across the college football landscape, former NFL star and current Oklahoma Sooners running backs coach DeMarco Murray has made a decision that speaks louder than money. According to multiple sources close to the program, Murray rejected a jaw-dropping $2 million offer from the University of Michigan to remain with the Oklahoma Sooners — the school he once starred at and now proudly calls home once again.
It’s rare these days to witness such a profound act of loyalty in the sport, especially in an era dominated by massive NIL deals, coaching carousel chaos, and relentless poaching from powerhouse programs with deep pockets. But DeMarco Murray just dropped what fans are calling a “loyalty bombshell” — and the ripple effects are already being felt from Norman to Ann Arbor and everywhere in between.
This isn’t just about one man staying put. This is about identity. Culture. Tradition. And a commitment to something money can’t buy.
The offer from Michigan was real, aggressive, and reportedly fronted by a combination of athletic department salary guarantees and booster-backed endorsements. A source with direct knowledge of the negotiations confirmed that the deal would have paid Murray $2 million annually — placing him among the highest-paid position coaches in the country.
But Murray, a former All-American running back at Oklahoma and a beloved figure in the program’s history, didn’t blink.
He stayed.
And in doing so, he sent a message to the rest of college football: Oklahoma isn’t just another stop on the coaching ladder. For some, it’s the destination.
“Home is where your heart is,” Murray reportedly told his running back room in a private team meeting shortly after the decision was made. “And my heart is with this team, this school, this family. We have work to do.”
It’s easy to see why Michigan came calling. Murray has quickly emerged as one of the most dynamic and respected young coaches in the game. Since joining Brent Venables’ staff, he’s turned Oklahoma’s running back room into one of the most productive units in the nation. He’s known not only for his elite knowledge of the position but also for his connection with players — both on the recruiting trail and in the locker room.
His presence has helped Oklahoma land and develop top-tier talents like Jovantae Barnes and Gavin Sawchuk. Under his guidance, the Sooners’ ground game has become both a weapon and a recruiting tool, consistently ranked among the best in the Big 12 and soon expected to hold its own in the SEC.
For Michigan — dealing with staff departures and looking to revitalize its offensive identity post-Harbaugh — Murray was a dream target. But loyalty, it turns out, isn’t for sale.
Those who know DeMarco Murray best weren’t surprised by his decision. For him, Oklahoma is more than just a place he played football. It’s part of his story.
From 2007 to 2010, Murray electrified Norman with his explosive plays and unrelenting work ethic. He racked up over 6,600 all-purpose yards, broke school records, and became a fan favorite. His transition to the NFL was seamless, enjoying a successful eight-year career that included a rushing title in 2014 with the Dallas Cowboys.
But when the call to coach came, there was only one place he wanted to start: back home.
“He’s one of us,” said former teammate and OU alum Curtis Lofton. “He bleeds crimson and cream. This isn’t just a job for DeMarco — it’s personal. It’s legacy. It’s family.”
That sentiment has been echoed by Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables, who praised Murray’s decision in a closed-door meeting with the staff and later in a phone call with key donors.
“This is a championship-caliber move,” Venables reportedly said. “It’s a championship mentality. It tells our players, our recruits, and the entire country what Oklahoma is about.”
Murray’s decision will have a monumental impact on recruiting, especially in the 2025 and 2026 cycles. Several top running back prospects had reportedly been waiting to see what he would do before finalizing their commitments.
Now, with Murray reaffirming his allegiance to Oklahoma, the Sooners are expected to solidify — and possibly expand — their grip on several elite backs.
Five-star 2026 RB prospect Kayson Johnson, who recently listed Michigan and Oklahoma among his top two, posted on social media shortly after the news broke: “Let’s go Coach Murray!!!! BOOMER!!!”
The reaction from current players was even more telling. Jovantae Barnes posted a photo of himself and Murray mid-practice with the caption: “Couldn’t imagine being coached by anyone else.” Gavin Sawchuk followed with a simple, but powerful message: “Loyalty over everything.”
In a sport where player movement is more common than ever, that kind of continuity matters. And Murray’s decision may keep the core of OU’s backfield intact for years to come.
Perhaps what makes this story even more compelling is that it reaches beyond wins and losses. It touches on the rare, intangible qualities that define great programs: integrity, character, belief.
In an industry where everything seems negotiable — contracts, commitments, even values — DeMarco Murray just reminded the world that not everything has a price tag. Loyalty still matters. Culture still counts.
“This isn’t just a win for Oklahoma,” said ESPN analyst and former coach Dan Mullen. “This is a win for college football. We need more stories like this. More guys who stay because they believe in what they’re building.”
With fall camp in full swing and the Sooners preparing for their first season as members of the SEC, Murray’s return brings a wave of stability and optimism. He’ll continue mentoring the team’s running backs, building relationships with recruits, and injecting his own brand of energy and toughness into the locker room.
There’s a renewed sense of momentum around the program — and a sense that something special is brewing in Norman.
The expectations are high, but so is the belief.
And now, with one of their most important coaches staying put, the Sooners are walking into the new era of SEC football with their identity intact and their culture stronger than ever.
DeMarco Murray didn’t have to stay. He could have taken the money, accepted the prestige of a Big Ten powerhouse, and added a few more commas to his coaching resume.
But he chose something else.
He chose loyalty.
He chose Oklahoma.
And in doing so, he reminded the college football world that some roots run too deep to be pulled up — even by $2 million.
This wasn’t just a career decision. It was a declaration.
DeMarco Murray is a Sooner — and that means something.
For the fans, the players, and the future of the program, it means everything.
