Chiefs Coach Arrested Before NFL Draft

Dave Merritt, the defensive backs coach for the Kansas City Chiefs, was arrested just hours prior to the NFL Draft, as reported by Kansas authorities.

On Wednesday, Merritt was taken into custody on a domestic battery charge, according to records from the Johnson County Jail.

Prosecutors claim in court documents that Merritt “unlawfully, intentionally, or recklessly” caused bodily harm to a family member.

The coach, who is set to face arraignment later on Thursday, is dealing with a misdemeanor domestic assault charge related to intentionally or recklessly inflicting harm on family members.

Details surrounding the specific allegations against Merritt were not disclosed immediately.

At 54 years old, Merritt has dedicated a significant part of his life to the NFL. He was a linebacker in the 1990s before transitioning to coaching in the early 2000s.

Before joining Andy Reid in Kansas City in 2019, he worked with the Jets, Giants, and Cardinals.

Throughout his coaching career, Merritt has celebrated five Super Bowl victories.

As for the Chiefs, they are preparing for the NFL Draft with two first-round picks, holding the No. 9 and No. 29 selections due to a trade with the Rams.