Miami Running Backs Coach Matt Merritt Set to Join Arizona Cardinals

The Miami Hurricanes suffered a notable offseason loss on Tuesday as running backs coach Matt Merritt prepares to leave for the NFL. Merritt is expected to join the Arizona Cardinals, who recently hired Mike LaFleur away from the Los Angeles Rams as their offensive coordinator. The move represents a significant shakeup for Miami’s coaching staff ahead of the 2026 season.

Merritt joined the Hurricanes in 2024 and quickly made an impact on the backfield, guiding multiple players to career milestones. His departure comes shortly after Miami secured key transfer acquisitions from Duke, underscoring the team’s ongoing roster adjustments while facing coaching transitions.

Under Merritt’s guidance, Damien Martinez flourished after transferring from Oregon State, surpassing 1,000 rushing yards and scoring a career-high 10 touchdowns in 2024. His coaching style emphasized balance and development, helping running backs maximize production within Miami’s offensive scheme.

Additional players benefited from Merritt’s tutelage, including Mark Fletcher Jr. and CharMar Brown. Fletcher delivered a 1,192-yard season in 2025 with 12 rushing touchdowns, while Brown added 474 yards and seven touchdowns, highlighting the depth and versatility Merritt helped foster in the Hurricanes’ backfield.

1. Merritt’s Impact on the Hurricanes

Matt Merritt quickly became a central figure in Miami’s offensive development. He helped establish a balanced attack that complemented quarterback Carson Beck’s efficient passing and the emergence of true freshman receiver Malachi Toney. Merritt’s coaching allowed the running backs to thrive alongside a dynamic aerial attack. His first major success came with Damien Martinez, who set career highs under Merritt’s direction. The running backs coach demonstrated an ability to integrate transfers and freshmen into the offense seamlessly, maximizing production while fostering player confidence. Mark Fletcher Jr. was another beneficiary of Merritt’s coaching, surpassing 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career and contributing 14 total touchdowns. CharMar Brown also saw his numbers rise, adding both rushing and receiving scores, a testament to Merritt’s holistic approach to backfield development. Merritt’s influence extended beyond stats, impacting player retention and decision-making. He played a key role in persuading Girard Pringle Jr. to return to Miami after exploring the transfer portal, further demonstrating his value in maintaining team continuity.

2. Transition to the NFL

Merritt’s move to the NFL will see him join the Arizona Cardinals under offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, who left the Rams to take over in Arizona. The pairing provides Merritt the chance to transition his success at the college level to the professional ranks. His departure represents a challenge for head coach Mario Cristobal, who must now fill a critical position in his coaching staff. Finding a replacement capable of maintaining production and player development will be a priority leading into the 2026 season. The Cardinals’ backfield, under Merritt, will likely benefit from his ability to adapt coaching methods for different player skill sets, similar to how he managed transfers and freshmen at Miami. His reputation as a developer of versatile backs should serve him well in the NFL environment. Miami’s remaining coaching staff will need to identify a replacement quickly to continue nurturing their young running backs and maintain offensive balance. The timing of Merritt’s departure means spring practices will be critical for ensuring continuity in the backfield.

3. Looking Ahead for Miami

With Merritt gone, Miami may look to notable alumni for potential replacements. Clinton Portis, a 2001 national champion with the Hurricanes and recent running backs coach at Delaware State, is reportedly under consideration. Portis’ NFL experience and familiarity with the Hurricanes’ culture could make him an appealing candidate. The Hurricanes’ 2026 backfield remains talented, but the coaching change creates uncertainty. Developing returning players like Mark Fletcher Jr. and CharMar Brown, as well as integrating newcomers, will be central to maintaining offensive momentum. Miami’s head coach, Mario Cristobal, must balance recruiting, player development, and staff adjustments while preparing for a challenging schedule. The Hurricanes’ ability to replace Merritt effectively will influence both immediate performance and long-term offensive stability. Ultimately, Merritt’s departure underscores the allure of the NFL for top college assistants and the challenges programs face in retaining coaching talent amid high-level opportunities. Miami’s next hire will need to sustain the growth and balance Merritt brought to the running backs room.