NFL Teams Eye Michigan’s Wink Martindale as Coaching Carousel Heats Up

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale is at the center of NFL speculation as multiple teams reportedly express interest in hiring him for their coaching staffs. The Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts, and Cincinnati Bengals are among the franchises considering Martindale, who led Michigan’s defense to a standout season in 2024.

Martindale, who joined Michigan in 2023 after a successful stint with the New York Giants, has become a hot commodity following the Wolverines’ dominant defensive performance. His ability to adapt schemes and develop talent has drawn praise from both college and NFL circles. Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore acknowledged the interest in Martindale but emphasized his desire to keep him in Ann Arbor.

“He’s a great coach. When your team has success, especially on defense, those opportunities are going to come,” Moore said Friday. “I always welcome our guys with opportunities, but I don’t want to lose him. I want him to be here in Michigan, and I think he does, too. But he has opportunities that he has to look at.”

Martindale’s potential departure would mark the third consecutive year Michigan loses its defensive coordinator to the NFL. Mike Macdonald left for the Baltimore Ravens in 2022, and Jesse Minter followed suit with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023. Both coaches have since ascended to prominent roles in the league.

On the weekly sports show “Steady Droppin’ Dimes,” former Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner and former Michigan point guard Daniel Horton weighed in on Martindale’s future. Gardner estimated a 97% chance Martindale stays at Michigan, citing job security and the opportunity to continue building his legacy in college football. “At Michigan, he’s gotten it figured out. You’re only going to continue to get good players,” Gardner said. “I think he has a sense of security where he can continue to get more money and prove that he is the originator of what the defense is trying to do.”

Horton, however, noted that Martindale’s strong finish to the season has made him an attractive candidate for NFL teams. “If I’m him, I don’t leave unless it’s a team that I can go and compete for a Super Bowl,” Horton said. “If a team has a franchise quarterback and the pieces in place, you can’t argue with him.”

Martindale’s decision could hinge on financial incentives and the stability of the NFL teams pursuing him. Currently earning $2.7 million at Michigan, Martindale would likely seek a salary in the $3.5 million range to consider a move. The Falcons, with young talent and a potential franchise quarterback in Michael Penix Jr., are seen as the most viable option. “The Falcons would be the biggest threat for all of those reasons,” said Sam Webb, co-host of “Steady Droppin’ Dimes.” “Arthur Blank is going to pay.”

If Martindale departs, Michigan has already identified potential replacements, including Doug Mallory, a former Michigan analyst now serving as the secondary coach for the Baltimore Ravens. Mallory played a key role in crafting Michigan’s defensive strategies during the 2023 season, including the 30 coverage variations used in the national championship game.

As the NFL coaching carousel continues to spin, Michigan fans and the football program await Martindale’s decision. Whether he stays in Ann Arbor or returns to the pros, his impact on Michigan’s defense has solidified his reputation as one of the top defensive minds in football.