The Oklahoma Sooners have found their next running backs coach in Deland McCullough, but they were very close to poaching one of Missouri's top assistants.
The Sooners needed to replace DeMarco Murray, and cast a wide net to find their new position coach, and it appears that one of their first choices was Mizzou's Curtis Luper.
According to Football Scoop, who did not name Luper, the Sooners were unwilling to pay a 'sitting SEC coach's buyout, which was north of half a million dollars.' While it isn't for certain, Luper's credentials, contract and interest from Oklahoma make him the most likely mystery candidate.
Missouri holds on to a valuable assistant after SEC rival comes knocking
Luper started as the Tigers running backs coach in 2020, and has enjoyed massive success in his six years at the helm. He has had multiple Doak Walker Award finalists throughout his tenure, including Ahmad Hardy, who ran for 1,649 yards in 2025 and is largely considered one of the best backs in football once again this year.
Luper is one of Missouri's best hires of the last few years, and it would have been an absolute punch to the gut to lose him to another SEC team. The battle has been won, but if Hardy continues to dominate, it may only be a matter of time before another schools swoops in with a better offer or a promotion.
So while Oklahoma poked around, it appears that they were unwilling to cut a check for Luper's buyout. That's perfect news for Mizzou fans, who already know they have one of the best assistants in the country with Luper. The Tigers are set to run it back with both Hardy and Jamal Roberts once again in 2026. This time, with Ole Miss transfer quarteback Austin Simmons under center.