Apr 23, 2026

Chiefs assistant coach arrested ahead of NFL draft

Posted Apr 23, 2026 6:00 PM
Merritt photo Johnson County
Merritt photo Johnson County

JOHNSON COUNTY —A member of the Kansas City Chiefs coaching staff made a court appearance Thursday afternoon for alleged domestic battery, according to online jail records.

Just before 9p.m. on Wednesday, police in Overland Park arrested 54-year-old David Lee Merritt Sr. on requested charges of misdemeanor domestic battery. He was booked into jail at 10:12p.m. Wednesday.

The Chiefs said they were aware of the arrest but had no comment.

Merritt was released from custody after meeting the requirement of a $2,500 personal recognizance bond. He is scheduled to return to court June 24.

-------------------

JOHNSON COUNTY —A member of the Kansas City Chiefs coaching staff was  scheduled for a court appearance Thursday afternoon, according to online jail records in Johnson County.

Just before 9p.m. on Wednesday, police in Overland Park arrested 54-year-old David Lee Merritt Sr. on requested charges of misdemeanor domestic battery.  He was booked into jail at 10:12p.m. Wednesday and was still in custody ahead of his court appearance.

The Chiefs said they were aware of the arrest but had no comment.

<br>

Merritt was entering his eighth season as the defensive backs coach with the Chiefs, according to his online bio. He had a four-year playing career as a linebacker and played college football at North Carolina State.

The Chiefs have the ninth pick in the first round of the NFL draft that begins Thursday night.