Wink Martindale, the defensive coordinator for Michigan football, and other staff members are officially hired.

Now that it’s official, one of the worst-kept secrets of the Michigan football program is revealed.

Official announcement of the program’s new defensive coordinator, Don “Wink” Martindale, was made on Friday. The 60-year-old Martindale was first mentioned as a new addition to the U-M staff on February 9. He was spotted in the stands with new head football coach Sherrone Moore at the men’s basketball game at Crisler Center against Michigan State. The announcement was only a formality.

Moore stated in the statement, “I am thrilled to have Coach Martindale join our staff as defensive coordinator.” “His experience and knowledge will help our kids succeed on the field. He has coached Hall of Fame players and managed some of the best football defenses.

Additionally, U-M declared the official hirings of LaMar Morgan, the coordinator of the pass game for defensive backs, coach Greg Scruggs, and coach Brian Jean-May for linebackers and run games. Brad Hawkins, a former defensive back from 2017 to 21, was also added by U-M as a graduate student.

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Having played in the NFL for the last 20 years, Martindale joins the New York Giants immediately after serving as their defensive coordinator for two seasons (2022–2023). However, his connection to the University of Michigan stems more directly from his previous position with the Baltimore Ravens.

After a two-year tenure that might go down as one of the most dominant by any Big Ten defensive mind, Macdonald was replaced by Jesse Minter, who went to join Jim Harbaugh with the Los Angeles Chargers. Minter worked for Martindale in Baltimore as a defensive backs coach from 2019 to 2020 and as a defensive assistant from 2017 to 2018. Under their direction, the Wolverines’ defense has gone 40-3 over the last three seasons, ranking among the best in the country. However, in 2023, when they finished as undefeated national champions, they were ranked No. 1 in both scoring (10.4 points per game) and total defense (247.0 yards per game).

Although they are slightly different implementations of the same concept—Martindale is more vulnerable to classic blitzes, whereas Minter was under a little more pressure—he was the architect of the plan that has propelled U-M to unprecedented heights in decades, so hopefully there won’t be much of a change in terminology or idea.

Moore stated in the release, “I am excited about the quality of the coaches that we have assembled on the defensive side of the football.” “Very good men who have a strong passion for football and make excellent teachers.” Our defensive players will be well-positioned to thrive both on and off the field thanks to them. As we strive to win titles for the University of Michigan, I am thrilled to collaborate with this amazing group of assistant coaches.”