David Mertens originally joined the Cardinals’ staff in June 2020 but is entering his first season as LU’s tight ends coach.
During his first two seasons with the program, Mertens has overseen several aspects of the Cardinals’ program. During that time, Mertens has served as the director of operations, while also serving as the assistant running backs coach. Mertens eventually took on the added roles of interim academic coordinator and interim equipment manager.
Mertens came to Beaumont from Milwaukee, Wisc., where he served as a graduate assistant coach working with the Wisconsin Lutheran College defensive linemen. During his lone season with WLC, he produced a first-team all-conference selection for a defense that led the NACC in forced turnovers.
Mertens began his coaching career at Howard Payne where he also served as a graduate assistant coach. During his time in Brownswood, he worked with the HPU linebackers. He also served as HPU’s assistant academic coordinator and community service coordinator.
Mertens has also made several coaching stops at the high school ranks before joining the Cardinals. He received his bachelor’s degree from Wisconsin-Milwaukee in May 2017. He received a Master’s of Education from LU in December 2021.
