Michigan Football Finds New Defensive Coordinator

After Jim Harbaugh left Michigan to join the Los Angeles Chargers, a shakeup in the Wolverine coaching staff felt inevitable. As predicted, former Michigan football defensive coordinator Jesse Minter followed Harbaugh to the Chargers. However, it didn’t take long for the Wolverines to find Minter’s successor, as just yesterday, Michigan announced the hiring of Don “Wink” Martindale to be the program’s next defensive coordinator.

Michigan football hires Don “Wink” Martindale as defensive coordinator

Last year’s Michigan football defense was nothing short of dominant. The defensive unit led by Jesse Minter finished No. 1 in the FBS for the least yards allowed per game.

With Minter joining Harbaugh with the Chargers, and multiple starters declaring for the NFL draft, the 2024 defense will have a very different look. However, Michigan football has found a key piece in maintaining their defensive success.

Martindale has been coaching in the NFL since 2004, most recently as defensive coordinator for the New York Giants. Before that, however, Martindale spent 10 years on John Harbaugh’s coaching staff with the Baltimore Ravens. He also saw coaching stints with the Broncos and Raiders, both as a linebackers coach and defensive coordinator.

Bringing in years of NFL experience will be good for a younger Michigan football team in 2024. Fans will get to see the new defense in action for the first time this April when Michigan kicks off its annual “Spring Game” scrimmage.

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