Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach Dave Merritt was charged Thursday with misdemeanor domestic battery, according to multiple reports.

Merritt, who serves as the team's defensive backs coach, faces the charge following a complaint that accused him of causing bodily harm to his daughter. The charge was filed Thursday morning.

The timing of the charges comes just ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, though the incident's impact on Merritt's coaching duties with the Chiefs remains unclear. The Chiefs organization has not yet issued a public statement regarding the charges against their assistant coach.

Merritt has been with the Chiefs coaching staff as their defensive backs coach. The misdemeanor domestic battery charge represents a serious allegation that could affect his standing with the organization.

Further details about the specific incident that led to the charges have not been made public. The case will proceed through the legal system as investigations continue.