The Michigan Wolverines have reportedly found their replacement for defensive coordinator Jesse Minter .
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Michigan plans on hiring Don “Wink” Martindale as its defensive coordinator. He recently parted ways with the New York Giants.
Martindale hasn’t coached at the collegiate level since 2003, but that shouldn’t be an issue. Over the past decade, he proved in Baltimore and New York that he can lead an aggressive-minded defense.
A deal between Michigan and Martindale has not been finalized yet, but all signs point to an agreement happening in the near future.
Schefter pointed out that Martindale’s defense isn’t very different from Minter’s – at least from a schematic standpoint.
“Michigan’s past two defensive coordinators, Minter and Mike Macdonald, ran a version of Wink Martindale’s defense, with similar concepts and terminology,” Schefter said . “Thus, the adjustment for the players might not be quite as dramatic as if another NFL coach took over.”
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
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It won’t be easy to replace Minter, who led a Michigan defense that surrendered only 10.4 points per game this past season.
That being said, Martindale is an intriguing hire for the Wolverines. If this marriage works out, he could quickly find his way back to the NFL.