Concordia University Wisconsin

Jeff Merritt is in his second season with the Concordia University Wisconsin football staff in 2026, serving as the Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach. Merritt arrived in Mequon after four seasons at Hastings College, where he served as the Defensive Secondary Coach and Recruiting Coordinator. He brings a strong background in defensive structure, recruiting, and secondary development, having coached defensive backs for eight consecutive seasons.

In his first season helping lead the Falcons’ defense, Merritt played a key role in a championship campaign that saw Concordia earn the 2025 NACC title and produce multiple standout defensive performers. Concordia’s defense was recognized across the conference, with 17 Falcons earning All-NACC honors overall and the program claiming three major awards. Among the top defensive contributors, Defensive lineman Marquiton Sellers was named the Wisconsin Private College Defensive Player of the Year following the 2025 season, while Defensive back Devin Glowicki totaled 68 tackles, three interceptions and was named 1^st team all NACC and all region 5 3^rd team. The Falcons also posted 13 interceptions and 25 total takeaways as a team in 2025, underscoring the impact of the defensive unit.

A native of Fort Lupton, Colorado, Merritt played four years at Doane University, where he was part of two NAIA playoff-qualifying teams in 2015 and 2016. After his playing career, he remained with the program as a Student Assistant before earning his bachelor’s degree in history in 2018. Merritt later completed his master’s degree in Adult Organizational Learning from Midland University in December 2020 while serving as the Safeties Coach.