Wink Martindale’s SEC style contract is huge for Michigan football

It was reported on Thursday that Michigan football defensive coordinator Wink Martindale’s contract will make him the highest-paid defensive coordinator in college football.

Since Martindale came from the NFL and certainly had opportunities to stay in the league if he wanted, this shouldn’t come as a huge surprise. Except that it is, because it’s the kind of investment Michigan football has never made in an assistant coach.

Michigan football made a significant investment in Wink Martindale

You hear about SEC teams like Georgia, Alabama, or LSU paying an assistant coach $2.7 million. Not Michigan football. But that’s what the Wolverines will pay by the end of Martindale’s three-year contract. He’ll also make $2.3 million in 2024, as well as $2.5 in 2025. This is according to a report from Angelique Chengelis with updates on the Michigan football assistant coach contracts.

Michigan football contract updates:

Wink Martindale $2.3 million this year, then $2.5 million and $2.7 million

Jean Mary: $900,000 this year, then $925k and 950k Year 3

Alford: 3 years $850,000

Magee: $350,000 Year 1 then $360k in 2 and $370k in 3

— angelique (@chengelis) March 21, 2024

Not only is Martindale’s contract a big step up from Jesse Minter’s, who made around $1.5 million, but it also shows that the Wolverines are willing to do what it takes to compete at the highest level.

We have seen Michigan football being more aggressive with NIL — at least in terms of player retention. That’s vital going into the 2024 season because the Wolverines have the talent on their roster to compete for a national title again, as long as they don’t lose any star players in the spring transfer window.

That seems unlikely now. The players have gravitated toward Martindale. Rod Moore and others have spent a bunch of time watching film with the new Michigan football DC and players tend to love guys with NFL backgrounds. Wink can make them better and they know it.

However, making that hire was going to take some investment. So give credit to Sherrone Moore for making it happen and to the athletic department for giving him the ability to chase top talent. That’s how you win and that’s why Wink’s contract is a great sign for Michigan football moving forward.

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