Former NFL running back DeMarco Murray is joining Kevin Sumlin's staff at the University of Arizona as running backs coach, according to Michael Lev of the Arizona Daily Star.

Murray, 30, retired from the NFL last July after seven seasons in the league.

Murray replaces Clarence McKinney, who was named the head coach at Texas Southern last month. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported in mid-December that Murray was in the running for the vacancy.

This is not the first time Murray and Sumlin have crossed paths. Sumlin was a part of Bob Stoops' coaching staff at Oklahoma from 2003 to 2007. He served as the co-offensive coordinator during Murray's freshman season with the Sooners.

While this may be Murray's first stint as a coach, he has experience that could make him a valuable asset to Wildcats running backs. Murray ran for 7,174 yards and 49 touchdowns in the NFL. His seven-year professional career was highlighted by his 2014 campaign, when he amassed more than 2,200 yards from scrimmage (a league-high 1,845 rushing yards, 416 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns) for the Dallas Cowboys.

Murray made three Pro Bowls and was the 2014 NFL Offensive Player of the Year.

Arizona is coming off a 5-7 performance in its first season under Sumlin. Led by sophomore J.J. Taylor (1,434 yards), the Wildcats' running attack ranked 35th in the nation.