University of Michigan Hires Wink Martindale as Defensive Coordinator

The University of Michigan has made a significant addition to its coaching staff by hiring Don ‘Wink’ Martindale as the new defensive coordinator, according to sources cited by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.

Martindale, who previously coached at the University of Cincinnati and Western Kentucky, spent the last two seasons with the NFL franchise, the Giants, before parting ways after the 2023 season. His tenure in New York followed a successful stint as the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens.

Michigan’s decision to bring in Martindale comes after former defensive coordinator Jesse Minter left the program to join ex-Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh in Los Angeles. This move follows Michigan’s recent success in the College Football Playoff era, with Sherrone Moore taking over as head coach after Harbaugh’s departure.

The 60-year-old Martindale, who has a background coaching in the NFL for nearly two decades, began his NFL coaching journey with the Raiders before moving to Denver, where he first served as a defensive coordinator in 2010. His notable success with the Ravens, where he coached linebackers before earning the defensive coordinator role, includes a victory in Super Bowl XLVII.

Before his time in the NFL, Martindale kickstarted his coaching career at his alma mater Defiance College. He also coached at notable institutions like Notre Dame, the University of Cincinnati, Western Illinois, and Western Kentucky before making the transition to the professional league.