Don “Wink” Martindale, a seasoned football coach with extensive experience in both collegiate and professional arenas, has recently become a focal point in coaching discussions.
Born on May 19, 1963, in Dayton, Ohio, Martindale earned his nickname “Wink” during his freshman year at Defiance College, a playful reference to the famed game show host of the same name.
Martindale’s coaching journey began in the late 1980s at his alma mater, Defiance College, where he served as an assistant coach. He further honed his coaching skills with stints at the University of Notre Dame, the University of Cincinnati, and Western Illinois University. A significant chapter in his early career was his tenure at Western Kentucky University under head coach Jack Harbaugh, where he contributed to the team’s defensive strategies.
Transitioning to the NFL, Martindale joined the Oakland Raiders as a linebackers coach from 2004 to 2008. His NFL journey continued with the Denver Broncos, where he was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2010. In 2012, he became part of the Baltimore Ravens’ coaching staff, serving as the linebackers coach and later being promoted to defensive coordinator in 2018. Under his leadership, the Ravens’ defense was renowned for its aggressive and effective strategies.
In February 2022, Martindale took on the role of defensive coordinator for the New York Giants. His inaugural season saw the Giants’ defense improve from 23rd to 18th in league rankings. However, after a challenging 2023 season, Martindale and the Giants mutually agreed to part ways in January 2024.
Shortly thereafter, in February 2024, Martindale returned to college football, accepting the position of defensive coordinator at the University of Michigan. This move marked his return to the collegiate level after over two decades in the NFL. At Michigan, Martindale implemented his signature blitz-heavy defensive schemes, leading the Wolverines to notable performances, including limiting powerhouse teams like Ohio State and Alabama.
Despite his success at Michigan, recent developments indicate that Martindale is contemplating a return to the NFL. Reports from January 14, 2025, reveal that he has scheduled interviews with the Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts for their defensive coordinator positions. The Cincinnati Bengals have also expressed interest in his expertise. These teams, seeking to revamp their defensive strategies, view Martindale’s extensive NFL experience as a valuable asset.
Martindale’s potential departure from Michigan comes at a time when the Wolverines are striving to enhance their recruiting efforts, particularly in the evolving landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Martindale has previously expressed concerns about the current NIL environment, describing it as “unsustainable” and likening it to free agency. His perspective underscores the complexities that collegiate programs face in balancing competitive success with the realities of modern athlete compensation.
As the coaching carousel continues to turn, Martindale’s decisions will undoubtedly have significant implications for both Michigan’s football program and the NFL teams vying for his leadership. His track record of defensive excellence positions him as a coveted figure in football coaching circles, and his next move is highly anticipated by fans and analysts alike.
