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Penn State: CFB Legend in Mix For RB Coach Job

Who will James Franklin hire as Penn State’s DC?
Photo by Matt Lynch, Nittany Sports Now: James Franklin

A college football legend is reportedly in the mix for the Penn State RB coach job.

Losing Ja’Juan Seider to Notre Dame in a lateral move is a significant loss for Penn State.

Moving On: Penn State RB Coach Ja’Juan Seider Leaving For Notre Dame

PSU’s running back coach was a key part in Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen’s development and retention for the 2025 season. As Seider departs but the running back room, including Quinton Martin and Corey Smith remains intact, the search is on for a new voice to lead the backfield.

According to Pet Nakos of On3, a former college football and NFL star is in the running. Nakos reported on Tuesday that former Oklahoma back and current OU running backs coach DeMarco Murray, 36, has emerged as a candidate at PSU and there is “mutual interest” on both sides.

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He joined Arizona as a running backs coach for the 2019 campaign before joining his alma mater in the same role the past four seasons. 

Murray rushed for 7,174 yards and 49 touchdowns during his seven-year career playing for the Dallas Cowboys and Tennessee Titans. His best season came in 2014, leading the NFL in rushing attempts (392), yards (1,845), yards/game (115.3), and touchdowns (13).

A third-round pick in 2011, Murray ran for 3,685 yards (4.9 yards per carry), caught 157 passes for 1,571 yards, played a Big 12-best 353 plays in 2010, and totaled 63 touchdowns from scrimmage in his four-year Sooner career.

Penn State boasts one of the best backfields in college football with Singleton and Allen returning for their senior years. Both backs rushed for over 1,000 yards last season and decided to run it back to win a National Championship. Penn State returns Singleton, Allen, quarterback Drew Allar, center Nick Dawkins, defensive end Dani-Dennis Sutton, safety Zakee Wheatley, and others for the 2025 season.

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