With plenty of changes to the Michigan Wolverines coaching staff, new head coach Sherrone Moore has found his defensive coordinator in longtime NFL DC Wink Martindale.
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ESPN's Adam Schefter broke the news of Martindale's next job via X.
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
The move comes after former Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh left for a head coaching positions back in the NFL with the Los Angeles Chargers. Harbaugh brought former Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter with him to Los Angeles, leaving a huge hole in Michigan's coaching staff at the college ranks.
Moore is taking over as Michigan's head coach after being with the program since 2018, most recently serving as offensive coordinator during the team's national championship run. As a first-year head coach, Moore was going to need some veteran coaches to bring some stability to the staff, making Martindale a key hire for the Wolverines in his first season.
While many college coaches are flocking to the NFL, Martindale is taking the opposite approach. A longtime NFL coach, he's been coaching at the pro level since 2004, serving as a defensive coordinator for the Broncos, Ravens, and Giants. Prior to his time in the NFL, Martindale had spent a decade in the college ranks, serving as an assistant for programs like Notre Dame, Cincinnati, and Western Kentucky.
Despite all of his success at the NFL level, Martindale will have some big shoes to fill by replacing Minter and Michigan. The Wolverines allowed just 10.4 points per game in 2023, and an average of just 4.3 yards per play. The high-powered defense is also losing significant talent across the board, including key players like defensive lineman Kris Jenkins, linebacker Junior Colson, and feisty slot cornerback Mike Sainristil.
Still, given his significant coaching experience at the NFL and college levels, Martindale should be the right man for the job to keep Michigan contending in the Big Ten.
