In a significant move that has caught the attention of football fans everywhere, the Arizona Cardinals have announced the hiring of Matt Merritt as their new running backs coach. Merritt, who previously held the same position at the Miami Hurricanes, is stepping into this role as reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
This decision comes shortly after the Cardinals bolstered their coaching staff with the addition of offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, indicating a robust effort by head coach Mike LaFleur to shape a competitive team. The changes within the coaching ranks are raising eyebrows and sparking discussions about the direction the Cardinals are heading this offseason.
Additionally, there is growing interest in filling the quarterbacks coach position, with K.J. Black being considered for an interview. The Cardinals may also look at former NFL quarterback Matt Schaub as a candidate for this role, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz.
Reflecting on Merritt’s recent achievements, it’s noteworthy that he just completed his second season with the Hurricanes, which culminated in a challenging national championship game against the Indiana Hoosiers. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in the success of running back Mark Fletcher, who had an impressive performance last year, rushing for 1,192 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns on 216 carries. In addition, running back CharMar Brown was a valuable contributor, racking up 474 yards and adding seven touchdowns as the team’s primary backup.
As a collective unit, the Miami offense averaged 4.3 yards per carry and scored a total of 28 touchdowns, showcasing a powerful running game. One of the standout players from Merritt's time at Miami, Francis Mauigoa, has been frequently mentioned in mock drafts as a potential pick for the Cardinals' No. 3 overall selection this offseason, which could create a seamless transition for Merritt as he continues his coaching journey.
Merritt’s coaching experience extends beyond Miami, with previous positions at universities including USF in 2023, Georgia Southern in 2022, Tennessee in 2021, James Madison from 2019 to 2020, Elon during 2017-2018, Ohio Dominican in 2016, and Ohio State from 2013 to 2015. Furthermore, he has gained additional insight into the professional game through two Bill Walsh Diversity Fellowships with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2016 and the San Francisco 49ers in 2019.
What do you think about the Cardinals' recent coaching changes? Are they making the right moves to enhance their roster and coaching staff? Share your thoughts below!
