Overview
- ESPN and On3 reported that Matt Merritt is leaving Miami to become the Arizona Cardinals' running backs coach under newly hired head coach Mike LaFleur.
- LaFleur departs the Los Angeles Rams to lead Arizona and has brought in Nathaniel Hackett as offensive coordinator as part of a rapid staff build.
- Merritt joined Miami in 2024 and boosted production for backs including Damien Martinez (1,002 yards, 10 TDs in 2024) and Mark Fletcher Jr. (1,192 yards in 2025).
- This marks at least the second recent coaching departure for Miami following tight ends coach Cody Woodiel’s move to Ole Miss.
- Miami is evaluating candidates to replace Merritt, with former Hurricanes star Clinton Portis mentioned in early speculation as a potential option.