Sherrone Moore’s hunt for Michigan’s new defensive coordinator looks to be over, as various sources indicate the
Wolverines plan to appoint former Giants assistant Don “Wink” Martindale to lead the program’s defensive unit in
2024.
The seasoned defensive coordinator comes from the NFL, where he coached the Giants’ defense for the past two
seasons. Martindale formerly served as the Baltimore Ravens’ linebackers coach for six seasons before taking on this
role.
This follows a lengthy search by Sherrone Moore to replace Jesse Minter, who spent the last two years with the
Wolverines before leaving to join Jim Harbaugh’s staff with the Los Angeles Chargers. This previous season,
Michigan’s defense was among the best in the country, leading the FBS with 247 yards allowed and 10.4 points
allowed on average on way to a national title.
It’s no secret that a key factor in the Wolverines’ defensive coordinator search was experience with the same sort of
defense Michigan has used in recent years. Martindale is widely acknowledged as the inventor of that idea, with
brilliant improvements made by Mike Macdonald and Minter.
Macdonald, who was recently hired as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, previously worked as an assistant under
Martindale before taking over Michigan’s defense in 2021. Minter also served on Martindale’s defensive coaching
staff in Baltimore for four years.
Wink hasn’t been a defensive coordinator since college, but he does have the necessary expertise. He was the
defensive coordinator for Western Kentucky during Jack Harbaugh’s tenure as head coach from 2000 to 2003.
