Veteran defensive coordinator Wink Martindale has made headlines once again, this time for his candid discussion about the NFL interest he received this offseason and his current situation at Michigan. After years of being one of the most respected defensive minds in professional football, Martindale is now set to bring his expertise to Ann Arbor, where he will look to keep the Wolverines’ defense among the nation’s elite.
Martindale’s decision to join Michigan under new head coach Sherrone Moore was a significant development for the program. However, his name remained linked to potential NFL opportunities even after accepting the position. In a recent interview, the longtime coach shed light on his offseason flirtation with the NFL and why he ultimately chose to commit to Michigan.
NFL Interest Was Strong, but Michigan Felt Right
Given his reputation as a defensive mastermind, it’s no surprise that Martindale attracted interest from NFL teams following his departure from the New York Giants. Known for his aggressive, blitz-heavy schemes, Martindale has had success at multiple stops in the league, including his highly regarded tenure as the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive coordinator.
Reports suggested that several NFL teams reached out to Martindale about potential roles on their coaching staffs. However, the veteran coach made it clear that while he appreciated the interest, he felt Michigan was the best opportunity for him at this stage in his career.
“I’ve always said that if you’re a coach, whether it’s in the NFL or college, you have to go where you’re truly wanted and where you can make the biggest impact,” Martindale said. “I had great conversations with a few teams, but at the end of the day, Michigan felt like the right place. The culture, the players, and the chance to be a part of something special—it was too good to pass up.”
Why Michigan?
For Martindale, the decision to join Michigan was not just about job security or stepping away from the NFL—it was about joining a program that is already built for success. Coming off a national championship, the Wolverines are in prime position to remain among college football’s elite, even as they transition to the post-Jim Harbaugh era.
“The foundation here is already strong,” Martindale said. “This is a team that knows how to win. My job is to make sure the defense keeps playing at the highest level and that we continue the success they’ve built over the last few years.”
Michigan’s defense has been the backbone of the program’s rise to dominance in recent seasons. With stars like Will Johnson in the secondary and a deep front seven, the Wolverines have the personnel to continue being one of the toughest defenses in the nation. Martindale’s aggressive philosophy should fit well with a unit that prides itself on physicality and relentless pressure.
Blending NFL Experience with College Football
One of the biggest questions surrounding Martindale’s move to Michigan is how his NFL background will translate to the college game. While he has spent most of his coaching career in the pros, Martindale is confident that his approach will work just as well in the Big Ten.
“Football is football,” he said. “Yes, the game is different at the college level in some ways, but the fundamentals don’t change. Defense is about being disciplined, playing with aggression, and executing at a high level. Those things translate no matter where you are.”
Martindale also pointed out that working with younger players presents a unique opportunity. While NFL players are seasoned professionals, college athletes are still developing both physically and mentally. Martindale believes that his experience can help Michigan’s defenders take their game to another level.
“You get the chance to mold these guys, to help them develop and prepare for the next level,” Martindale said. “That’s something I’m really excited about.”
Looking Ahead
As Michigan prepares for the 2025 season, all eyes will be on how Martindale’s defensive schemes take shape. The Wolverines will face a challenging schedule, especially as they enter their first year in the expanded Big Ten and compete with new conference foes like Oregon and Washington.
While his name may continue to pop up in NFL conversations, Martindale insists that his focus is entirely on Michigan.
“I’m here to win,” he said. “This isn’t just a stop for me—this is an opportunity to be part of something great. Michigan is at the top of college football, and we’re going to do everything we can to keep it that way.”
With a proven track record of success and a passion for coaching defense, Wink Martindale’s presence in Ann Arbor could be exactly what Michigan needs to remain a national powerhouse. Whether he stays long-term or eventually returns to the NFL, his impact on the Wolverines’ defense will be felt for years to come.