Kansas City Chiefs Defensive Backs Coach Dave Merritt Cleared By NFL After Arrest For Allegedly Causing Bodily Harm To Daughter

Dave Merritt's mugshot (Image: Johnson County Sheriff's Office)

The NFL completed its investigation into Kansas City Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt and found little to no evidence of a violation of the personal conduct policy. As a result, there will be no discipline from the league.

A misdemeanor domestic battery charge against Merritt was dismissed last month by the District Court of Johnson County, Kansas. Merritt was charged in April after being accused of causing bodily harm to his daughter. He pleaded not guilty.

Merritt spent several years playing linebacker in the NFL before becoming one of the league’s top defensive backs coaches. He has been with the Chiefs since 2019 and has helped the team win three Super Bowls.

Players such as Trent McDuffie, now with the Los Angeles Rams, and L’Jarius Sneed, who returned from Tennessee, have thrived under Merritt’s coaching. It will be interesting to see how the Chiefs adjust without their top corner, McDuffie, but they did draft Mansoor Delane.

Delane, out of LSU, has a lot of potential, but from a football standpoint, Merritt is especially significant to the Chiefs. Kansas City relies on him to develop young defensive backs, which has helped the team remain one of the league’s most consistent defensive units in recent years.

As the Chiefs prepare for another championship run, Merritt remains one of the most experienced and accomplished assistants in the organization. Despite an eventful offseason, his focus is now on helping Kansas City compete for another Super Bowl title.