Don “Wink” Martindale, a former defensive coordinator for the Ravens, will take over the Michigan defense after Jim Harbaugh left for the NFL.
The NFL and Michigan coaching staffs are still uneasy following Jim Harbaugh‘s return to the league. According to NFL Network’s Adam Schefter, Sherrone Moore plans to choose former Ravens defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale to take on that role for the Wolverines.
Michigan is planning to hire former Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale as its defensive coordinator, per sources. Deal still is being finalized but it is not expected to be an issue. Martindale will replace Jesse Minter, who became the Chargers defensive coordinator. pic.twitter.com/O0KhhAIkUQ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 9, 2024
Martindale played with the Ravens from 2018 until 2021 before spending the last two seasons as the Giants’ defensive coordinator in New York. Prior to getting promoted, he was also the linebackers coach for the Ravens.
Jesse Minter, who departed with Harbaugh to take a position as the Chargers‘ defensive coordinator, will be replaced by Martindale, 60.
The Defiance College product would enable a relatively smooth transfer between personnel and coaching staffs and helped shape the defense that both the Ravens and Wolverines today play.
Martindale also had stints with the Oakland Raiders, the Denver Broncos, Western Illinois, Cincinnati, Notre Dame, and his alma mater, Defiance College. He also worked under Jack Harbaugh, the father of Jim and John, in Western Kentucky.
