Oklahoma’s DeMarco Murray Rejects Michigan’s Stunning $2 Million Offer, Says Loyalty to Sooners “Means Everything to Me”

In a stunning act of loyalty that’s rare in today’s high-stakes college football world, Oklahoma running backs coach DeMarco Murray has reportedly turned down a massive $2 million offer from the Michigan Wolverines to remain with the Sooners.

The eye-watering figure offered by Michigan—nearly triple what many top assistants are paid—wasn’t enough to sway the former NFL Pro Bowler and Oklahoma legend from his mission in Norman. Murray’s decision reverberated across the college football landscape and has fans, media, and even rival coaches marveling at the strength of his commitment.

Oklahoma Athletics confirmed the development on Thursday morning, releasing a brief but powerful statement on behalf of Murray:

“The Sooners isn’t just a job—it’s a mission. The culture we’ve built here, the people, the players—this is where I want to be. The rivalry means everything, and I’d rather be on the right side of it.”

In an era when NIL money, massive coaching salaries, and flashy program pitches often lure even the most tenured staff members to rival schools, Murray’s decision speaks volumes about his priorities and vision.

The 36-year-old Murray, who starred at Oklahoma from 2007 to 2010 before a seven-year NFL career with the Cowboys, Eagles, and Titans, returned to his alma mater in 2020 to coach running backs under then-head coach Lincoln Riley. Despite the program’s turbulence following Riley’s departure and the transition into Brent Venables’ tenure, Murray stayed put and has quickly become one of the most respected voices in the locker room and on the recruiting trail.

Sources close to the situation revealed that Michigan’s offer came during a high-stakes push to lure elite recruiters and elevate its post-Harbaugh coaching structure after recent staff departures. The Wolverines saw Murray as a rising star with instant credibility, both with recruits and boosters, and hoped the financial package would seal the deal.

But Murray reportedly didn’t even take long to decide.

“He took a night to sleep on it,” one OU staffer familiar with the situation said. “But by the morning, he’d already called Coach Venables and said, ‘I’m not going anywhere.’ It was loyalty. Pure loyalty.”

That kind of loyalty is rare—and it’s exactly what Oklahoma fans love to see in a program that has endured high-profile exits in recent years.

Under Murray’s leadership, Oklahoma’s running back room has remained a steady and productive unit. Players like Eric Gray, Jovantae Barnes, and Gavin Sawchuk have developed well under his watch, combining vision, power, and the kind of explosiveness that defined Murray’s playing career. More importantly, recruits rave about the energy and mentorship Murray brings—not to mention the instant NFL credibility he carries into living rooms across the country.

“He doesn’t just talk the talk. He’s been where these guys want to go,” said former Sooner and current New York Giants back Eric Gray. “And he does it with love and intensity. He’s not trying to be famous—he’s trying to build something here.”

That mission—building something lasting—is why Murray turned down Michigan’s offer.

In recent weeks, Oklahoma’s coaching staff has made renewed pushes in recruiting, particularly in the offensive skill positions. Murray has been instrumental in securing commitments from several top-100 national talents and has been key in maintaining trust during Oklahoma’s transition into the SEC in 2024.

“He’s a program guy,” Coach Brent Venables said in a team meeting after the news broke. “He’s here because he loves what we’re doing. It’s bigger than money for DeMarco.”

While the exact terms of the Michigan offer haven’t been officially disclosed, multiple industry sources have confirmed that it was a multi-year deal with annual compensation exceeding $2 million—including incentives and performance bonuses. That would have made Murray one of the highest-paid assistants in college football.

By comparison, top running back coaches across the country make between $400,000 and $900,000 annually, with very few exceptions.

Despite walking away from the lucrative opportunity, Murray’s future in coaching appears brighter than ever. Already whispered about as a future head coach or offensive coordinator, this public act of loyalty has only strengthened his perception as a culture builder—a “program guy” with vision, patience, and passion.

“You know what this does for recruiting?” asked an OU staff member. “When a kid sees that DeMarco Murray turned down millions to stay here—that’s powerful. That tells them something about who we are.”

Fans have responded just as passionately.

Within hours of the announcement, the hashtag #LoyaltyOverMillions began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with thousands of Sooner fans flooding Murray’s social media accounts with messages of gratitude and admiration.

“DeMarco Murray is everything we want in a Sooner,” one fan wrote. “He turned down money to stay home. That’s legendary.”

Even some Michigan fans acknowledged the move with admiration, calling Murray “a man of principle” and wishing him well—though others lamented losing out on a “home run hire.”

As Oklahoma braces for another intense season with SEC play just around the corner, Murray’s return brings a sense of stability and momentum. His running back room remains one of the most talented in the country, and his presence on the trail will undoubtedly continue to attract elite talent.

For now, Murray remains locked in on his mission, unfazed by headlines or dollar signs.

“I’ve worn that jersey. I’ve bled for this program,” Murray said in a closed team meeting, according to a source. “Every rep, every meeting, every recruit—we’re building this thing the right way. And I’m not leaving before we finish.”

With that kind of mindset, it’s no wonder he’s become more than just a coach to the players—he’s a living standard for what it means to be a Sooner.

And while some coaches chase money, DeMarco Murray is chasing legacy.