Miami Hurricanes Running Backs Coach Matt Merritt Accepts Arizona Cardinals Job

Merritt leaves Miami after two seasons, second offensive coach to depart this offseason.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Multiple reports indicate that Miami Hurricanes running backs coach Matt Merritt has accepted a job with the Arizona Cardinals. Merritt arrived at Miami in 2024 and produced a 1,000-yard rusher in each of his two seasons with the program. He also played a key role in the Hurricanes acquiring standout freshman running back Girard Pringle Jr. Prior to Miami, Merritt served as the running backs coach at USF and was part of coaching staffs that played for or won national titles at James Madison and Ohio State.

Why it matters

Merritt's departure is a significant loss for the Miami football program, as he was instrumental in developing the team's running game over the past two seasons. The Hurricanes will now need to find a replacement who can continue the success of the rushing attack and maintain relationships with key recruits like Pringle.

The details

Merritt accepted the running backs coach job with the Arizona Cardinals, becoming the second offensive coach to leave Miami this offseason after tight ends coach Cody Woodiel took a job at Ole Miss. During his time at Miami, Merritt's tailbacks averaged 182.8 yards per game, which was third best in the AAC when he was at USF in 2023. He has also been part of coaching staffs that have played for or won national titles at James Madison and Ohio State.

  • Merritt arrived at Miami ahead of the 2024 season.
  • Merritt produced a 1,000-yard rusher in each of his two seasons with the program.
  • Merritt played a key role in the Hurricanes acquiring standout freshman running back Girard Pringle Jr. out of Seffner (Fla.) Armwood in the 2025 recruiting cycle.

The players

Matt Merritt

The former Miami Hurricanes running backs coach who has accepted a job with the Arizona Cardinals.

Damien Martinez

A 1,000-yard rusher for the Miami Hurricanes during Merritt's tenure.

Mark Fletcher

Another 1,000-yard rusher for the Miami Hurricanes during Merritt's tenure.

Girard Pringle Jr.

A standout freshman running back that Merritt helped the Hurricanes acquire out of Seffner (Fla.) Armwood.

Nay'Quan Wright

A Florida transfer who had a breakout season under Merritt's coaching at USF in 2023.

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What’s next

Miami will now need to find a replacement for Merritt as the team's running backs coach ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Merritt's departure is a significant loss for the Miami football program, as he played a crucial role in developing the team's rushing attack over the past two seasons. The Hurricanes will need to find a coach who can continue that success and maintain relationships with key recruits like Girard Pringle Jr.