Coaching Changes & Baseball Season Opener | Oklahoma Sooners LIVE 202

Football Coaching Changes

• DeMarco Murray's Departure:
  • Longtime OU running backs coach (since 2020) left after a 5-year stint to become the Kansas City Chiefs' new running backs coach.
  • Murray, an OU legend (first-team All-Big 12 RB as a player, solid NFL career), receives mutual well-wishes from fans and host.
  • Fan sentiment: Largely positive/excited for change; many felt his tenure overstayed, with gripes over RB decisions/production post-Eric Gray era.
  • Described as mutual parting; Andy Reid reportedly contacted Brent Venables before hiring.
  • Seen as a career step up for Murray (NFL level, learning under Eric Bieniemy).
  • Host hopes he succeeds and preserves his legacy positively.
  • Replacement search ongoing; quick hire expected due to spring ball prep and recruiting stability.
  • Speculation dismissed: Kale Gundy won't return (due to past issues).
  • Fan chat suggestion (Adrian Peterson) liked personally but concerns over recent off-field issues and "legend hire" risks.
• Defensive Backs Coach Hire:
  • Replacement for Jay Valai (left for Buffalo Bills): LaMar Morgan from Michigan.
  • Morgan (≈40 years old, 14+ years experience): Served as Michigan's defensive passing game coordinator/DBs coach recently; prior roles include DC/secondary at Louisiana (Ragin' Cajuns, his alma mater), stops at Vanderbilt, Houston, UL Monroe.
  • Praised for youth + experience balance; solid resume from strong programs (Michigan hire highlighted).
  • Quick hire (within ~1-1.5 weeks of Valai's exit) to retain recruits and maintain DB room momentum (strong talent via transfers/returners like Courtland Gillery, Eli Bowen).
  • Recruits reportedly happy; fans mixed (some wanted fresh direction despite liking Valai).
  • Interesting note: OU faces Michigan in Ann Arbor in September 2026; Morgan faces former team early.
• Other Football Note:
  • 2027 OU-SMU game (Sept. 11) moved from SMU's Gerald J. Ford Stadium to neutral-site AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX).
  • Pros: Larger capacity (~80k vs. SMU's smaller venue), potential revenue boost, fun for fans (OU historically strong there, 6-2 all-time including Big 12 titles).
  • Cons: Takes away traditional home atmosphere/pageantry; some view as "sellout" for money, though host calls it smart business.
  • Mixed fan opinions; closer to both fanbases than far neutral sites.

• Season starts February 13, 2026, at Shriners Children's College Baseball Showdown (Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX).
• Opening weekend opponents: Texas Tech (Fri, 11 a.m./3 p.m.?), Oklahoma State (Sat), TCU (Sun).
• OU favored in opener vs. Texas Tech (-148 on FanDuel).
• High excitement: "Boomer or bust" team with massive potential (depth, transfers, returners, strong freshman class).
• Key praises from Skip Johnson:
  • One of his best freshman recruiting classes in 35 years coaching.
  • Returning 13 letterwinners (e.g., Kyle Branch, Jaxon Willits, Jason Walk, Drew Dickerson, Trey Gamble).
  • Pitching depth strong; Cam Johnson named Opening Day starter (high-upside lefty, potential ace-level talent if control improves).
  • Other notes: LJ McCurus, overall synergy needed (star power could mesh well or clash).
• Expectations: Team aims for Omaha (College World Series); host sees overlooked potential despite varied rankings.
• Viewing: FloCollege subscription required; audio on KREF.
• Home opener ~Feb 17 at (newly renovated?) Lale Mitchell Park.
• Host urges in-person support: College baseball's pageantry/fun shines live (easy to follow, great atmosphere).

• Host apologizes for hiatus; promotes likes/subscribes/memberships ($2.99+/month for more OU content across sports).
• Live chat interactions (e.g., fan opinions on hires, neutral sites).
• Ties in broader OU sports (e.g., mentions basketball game distraction).
• Optimistic tone on Venables' recent hires (e.g., Ben Arbuckle, others) and baseball outlook.

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