Numerous former Michigan football coaches have traversed the college to NFL pathway in recent weeks, but Wink Martindale is going the opposite way. With Jesse Minter leaving the Wolverines for the Los Angeles Chargers, Martindale is filling his shoes, departing the NFL after 21 years to become Michigan’s new defensive coordinator.
“I am excited to have Coach Martindale join our staff as defensive coordinator,” Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said in a statement Friday. “He has coached hall of fame players, coordinated some of the best defenses in football and his expertise and knowledge will help our players excel on the field. We are so excited to have the mentor to so many great defensive players and coaches join our staff at Michigan.”
Martindale most recently served as defensive coordinator for the New York Giants for two years, but before that he worked under Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh from 2012-2021 as linebackers coach and then defensive coordinator in his last four seasos.
