Matt Merritt, previously the running backs coach for the Miami Hurricanes, has accepted the position of running backs coach with the Arizona Cardinals. This move comes as the Cardinals, led by their newly hired head coach Mike LaFleur, begin assembling their coaching staff to support the franchise’s rebuilding efforts.
Merritt’s transition to the NFL highlights his growing reputation as a skilled developer of running backs. Miami’s lead tailback under Merritt, Mark Fletcher Jr., had a standout 2025 season with 1,192 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, showcasing the effectiveness of Merritt’s coaching at the collegiate level.
Background and Coaching Journey of Matt Merritt
Merritt’s coaching career spans multiple collegiate programs. Before Miami, he held roles at Ohio State (2013-2015), Ohio Dominican (2016), Elon (2017-2018), James Madison (2019), Tennessee (2021), Georgia Southern (2022), and the University of South Florida (2023). Mario Cristobal recruited Merritt to Miami in February 2024 after Merritt’s success at South Florida.
His playing background includes time as a running back at Division III Capital University, where he rushed for 1,099 yards and 12 touchdowns, contributing to two playoff appearances. Merritt then immediately pursued coaching, starting as a graduate assistant at Capital in 2010, followed by a role coaching running backs and special teams at St. Charles Preparatory in Ohio (2011-2012).
During his stint at Ohio State, Merritt served as a graduate assistant working with running backs, receivers, special teams, and scouting duties. He was part of the staff for Ohio State’s 2014 College Football Playoff championship season. In 2019, Merritt was on James Madison’s coaching staff when the team finished 14-2, won the Colonial Athletic Association, and reached the FCS national championship game.
Merritt’s NFL Experience and Connection to Mike LaFleur
Merritt has participated in NFL coaching fellowship programs with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2016 and with the San Francisco 49ers in 2019. Notably, his time with the 49ers overlapped with Mike LaFleur’s tenure on the same coaching staff, establishing an early professional connection between the two.
Impact and Future Prospects for Arizona Cardinals’ Running Game
By adding Merritt to their staff, the Arizona Cardinals are gaining a coach with extensive collegiate experience and a proven record of developing productive running backs. Merritt’s history of working with talented players like Mark Fletcher Jr. puts him in a strong position to help improve the Cardinals’ ground attack as they seek to rebuild under LaFleur’s leadership.
This appointment indicates the Cardinals’ commitment to strengthening their offensive team dynamics, with Merritt expected to play a key role in nurturing the talents of their running backs as the franchise moves forward.
“Sources: Miami running backs coach Matt Merritt has accepted a job as the Arizona Cardinals running backs coach. He led a running backs room last year at Miami that included star tailback Mark Fletcher. Merritt’s time in college included stops at Ohio State, Tennessee and USF. pic.twitter.com/RY2gn7nI1M” – Pete Thamel, Reporter
Sources: Miami running backs coach Matt Merritt has accepted a job as the Arizona Cardinals running backs coach. He led a running backs room last year at Miami that included star tailback Mark Fletcher. Merritt's time in college included stops at Ohio State, Tennessee and USF. pic.twitter.com/RY2gn7nI1M
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) February 5, 2026
