DeMarco Murray Explains Importance of Chiefs' Revamped Backfield

Kansas City's rushing attack must vastly improve if the offense wants to bounce back in 2026.

Oklahoma running backs coach DeMarco Murray during the Red River Showdown college football game between the University of Oklahoma (OU) and Texas at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. Texas won 49-0. Lx18797 | BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK

Last season, the Kansas City Chiefs' rushing attack was completely inept, and the front office has prioritized revamping the backfield.

This offseason, the Chiefs signed former Seattle Seahawks Kenneth Walker III to a three-year, $43.05 million contract. Personnel was not the only way Kansas City improved that area of the offense. Former NFL running back DeMarco Murray was hired as the running back coach.

Oklahoma running backs coach DeMarco Murray walks on the sideline during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Houston Cougars at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. | BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK

Murray sat down with Mitch Holthus and Matt McMullen earlier this week to discuss his expectations for the team this season.

Murray's Thoughts

Jan 25, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) celebrates after running for a touchdown in the first half against the Los Angeles Rams in the 2026 NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images | Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

• "I'm extremely excited," Murray said. "This is a big opportunity to obviously learn from one of the best head coaches, if not the best in [head] coach [Andy] Reid, and having [offensive coordinator] Eric Bieniemy here. So, I'm extremely excited and blessed for this opportunity and can't get to work."

Speaking of Walker III, Murray explained his reaction to the team signing the 25-year-old running back, and what his addition will mean for the offense.

Dec 18, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images | Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

• "Excited, just like everyone else," Murray said of his initial reaction to the Chiefs signing Kenneth Walker III. "Just the type of player he is, the type of caliber of worker he is. Again, very dynamic and explosive. Again, [general manager] Brett Veach has done a great job, and obviously the rest of that, the personnel department did a good job of getting him here, and we're excited to have him."

In addition to being efficient and productive on the ground, running backs must be able to protect the quarterback, which is the most important feature, according to Murray.

Jan 4, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (31) runs after the catch against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

• "You have to be able to do a lot of different things," Murray said. "So, versatility is one thing that comes in mind right off the rip. Obviously, protection is number one, you want to protect the best quarterback in the league. For us, we want to run the ball in between the tackles and getting back to a physical running group up front. It starts with the offensive line, but for me, the running back has to do a lot of things."

• "That's the biggest emphasis," Murray continued. "When you are talking about the position, running back, you have to protect the quarterback, that is number one. Obviously, we love what you can do with the ball, but you have to protect the guy who is leading the charge in our leader. Especially, again, for us, it's the best one in the business. That's the most important thing for us, and it's going to be emphasized extremely high."