Hurricanes running backs coach Matt Merritt is headed to the NFL, according to multiple reports.
Merritt is taking the same position with the Arizona Cardinals after two seasons coaching at Miami.
Merritt is the second UM assistant coach to leave the staff this offseason. Tight ends coach Cody Woodiel departed to take a position on Pete Golding’s staff at Ole Miss.
Under Merritt, the Hurricanes had a strong running game. In 2024, Miami was 31st in the nation with 188.92 rushing yards per game. Pro Football Focus gave UM the top rushing grade in the nation (97.2). This season, the Hurricanes were 71st nationally with 151.81 yards per game. PFF gave UM a 90.3 rushing grade, which was 21st.
With Merritt as the position coach, Miami recruited several high-level running backs. The Hurricanes signed four-star running back Girard Pringle Jr. in the 2025 class and four-star running back Javian Mallory in the 2026 class. UM also brought in 1,000-yard rusher Damien Martinez via the transfer portal before the 2024 season and productive runner Marty Brown before the 2025 season.
Merritt previously coached at USF and James Madison, among other stops in his coaching career.
