NFL Closes Investigation of Chiefs DBs Coach Dave Merritt With No Discipline
The league found insufficient evidence of a personal conduct policy violation after a misdemeanor domestic battery charge against Merritt was dismissed in May, per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
The NFL has concluded its investigation of Kansas City Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt and will not impose discipline, sources told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo on Thursday. The league determined there was insufficient evidence of a violation of its personal conduct policy. The review stemmed from a misdemeanor domestic battery charge filed against Merritt in April, which the District Court of Johnson County, Kansas, dismissed last month.
What was the NFL investigating?
Merritt was charged with misdemeanor domestic battery in April after he was accused of causing bodily harm to his daughter, according to ESPN. He pleaded not guilty to the charge. The District Court of Johnson County, Kansas, dismissed the case in May. The NFL conducted its own review under the personal conduct policy, which applies to coaches and other club personnel as well as players. That review has now closed without a finding of a violation, sources told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
Why did the league review the case after the charge was dropped?
The NFL's personal conduct policy operates independently of the criminal justice system, and the league can impose discipline even when charges are dismissed or never filed. The policy uses a lower evidentiary standard than a criminal court, so a dropped charge does not automatically end a league review. In this case, the investigation concluded that the evidence did not support a violation, according to the report. That means Merritt faces no suspension, fine or other league-imposed restrictions. He is free to continue in his role with the Chiefs.
What does this mean for the Chiefs' coaching staff?
Merritt has coached the Chiefs' defensive backs since 2019 and is regarded as one of the better position coaches in the league at his job, per ESPN. The 54-year-old played linebacker in the NFL before moving into coaching and spent years on the New York Giants' staff prior to joining Kansas City. ESPN notes he has been part of five Super Bowl-winning teams across his coaching stops. With the league's decision, his status for the 2026 season is unaffected. The Chiefs have not issued a public statement on the conclusion of the investigation.
Sources
- ESPN: Sources - No league discipline for Chiefs DBs coach Merritt
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