The Kansas City Chiefs sent a strong message in the 2026 offseason, drastically changing the offensive coaching staff while keeping much of the roster intact. The one notable change was at the running back position, where Kenneth Walker III was signed in free agency, and Emmett Johnson was added in this year's draft class. Both of these moves shine a light on the underrated addition of new running backs coach DeMarco Murray.
Many KC fans and football fans in general will remember the name from Murray's time in the league, with the playmaker's peak offering him clear influence. Murray had an incredible 2014 season, rushing for 1,845 yards and adding 13 touchdowns for the Dallas Cowboys. It is the type of elite season that is going to garner plenty of respect for a coach whose experience has previously been limited to the college game.
Murray was with the Oklahoma Sooners as the running back coach from the 2020-2025 seasons. This offered the former player a chance to grow as a leader and left Andy Reid and Kansas City's decision-makers impressed. All of this adds up to pointing to why the offseason addition of Murray has been so incredibly underrated for Kansas City and the results it might introduce.
Chiefs offseason has underrated potential impact of running backs Coach DeMarco Murray
Murray is still new at this coaching thing at just 38 years old and can step into a very specific role with Kansas City, bringing the energy of someone not far removed from their playing days while also offering clear coaching experience. This should be especially impactful for Johnson, who is looking to make the jump and become Kansas City's second option behind Walker.
It also should be noted that even as accomplished as this past year's Super Bowl MVP might be, never has Walker put up a season close to the 1,845 yards that Murray offered in his peak season. This should give the coach a level of respect and ear of a player who has accomplished a lot in this league.
For the Chiefs, everything about the offseason offensively points to relying on the coaching staff to improve the results. Murray is a huge piece of this and has put together a career that leaves every reason to believe he is a worthy addition.
Kansas City needed this type of coaching shift, bringing in a young and energetic presence to help push the offense back to the top of the league. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Murray quickly promoted or gain additional interest from other teams after a 2026 season that will point out just what an impact addition the young running backs coach will be.
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