The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday and a Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach faces a major legal hurdle after being arrested less than 24 hours before the prominent event.

Head coach Andy Reid and the Chiefs are aiming to rebuild its squad heading into next season after missing the playoffs. However, an assistant on Reid’s staff faces even larger challenges after a domestic incident on Wednesday.

MORE: Watch 2026 NFL Draft live on Fubo (free trial)

The Kansas City Star reports that Chiefs assistant coach Dave Merritt was arrested late Wednesday night. Local police in Overland Park brought Merritt in on suspicion of domestic battery involving a family member.

🚨 Chiefs assistant coach Dave Merritt has been arrested for domestic battery. Details: https://t.co/uCogm5Id2e pic.twitter.com/tZKFxKAaeW

The 54 year old reportedly was arrested based on allegations of bodily harm to “a daughter.” That led to Merritt’s arrest and subsequent booking into jail without bond.

This all comes just hours before the NFL Draft takes place in Pittsburgh. The Chiefs assistant is now due to appear in court Thursday instead of going about his regular duties with Kansas City for the important offseason NFL event.

Merritt is a former NFL player that spent just four years in the league after being drafted in 1993. However, Merritt’s been part of Reid’s Chiefs staff for the past six seasons after entering the team in 2019.

MORE: 2026 NFL Draft beer prices revealed & surprisingly bring good value

Merritt is a five-time Super Bowl champion as an assistant coach, including three championship since arriving in Kansas City. However, his future with the franchise remains up in the air after his latest legal entanglement.

Merritt began his NFL coaching journey in 2001 with the New York Jets and he’s since made stops with several other teams. The