Report: Don 'Wink' Martindale a 'person of interest' for Michigan defensive coordinator opening

Another NFL assistant coach could be in the running for Michigan’s defensive coordinator opening. Former New York Giants defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale is a “person of interest” for the job, according to a report from Matt Zenitz.

Martindale spent the last two years with the Giants under Brian Daboll before parting ways with the franchise after the 2023 season. He previously worked under John Harbaugh with the Baltimore Ravens from 2012-21 as linebackers coach and defensive coordinator. He’s known for his ability to generate pressure on the quarterback, which could be enticing for Sherrone Moore considering Michigan ranked 11th in the country in sacks in 2023.

Moore is working to replace Jesse Minter, who left the program and is expected to join Jim Harbaugh with the Los Angeles Chargers. While Harbaugh previously said staff decisions were still in the works, Minter announced his decision to leave Michigan Tuesday night, thanking the Wolverines as he embarked on his next step.

“Nothing but love to everyone at Michigan, especially the players,” Minter wrote. “We had a great journey together.”

More on Michigan’s defensive coordinator search

Wink Martindale is the second NFL assistant to come up during the Michigan coordinator search. Kansas City Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen is also in the mix, according to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones. He has worked in the NFL for the past 14 seasons as a defensive line coach for several different teams including the Jaguars, Ravens and Buccaneers. He has spent the past two years in Kansas City, helping the team to back-to-back Super Bowl appearances.

It’s all part of the plan to replace Minter, who spent the last three years with the Wolverines after working under John Harbaugh with the Ravens. Michigan’s defense was among the best in the nation this past season, leading the FBS with 247 yards allowed and 10.4 points allowed on average en route to a national championship.

Last week, Moore said the process to replace Minter was ongoing, but he hoped things would come together fairly soon.

“We haven’t replaced the defensive coordinator yet,” Moore said on The Pat McAfee Show. “We’ve got a few names and people in the boat to do that, and we’ve got a great staff. We have people here on the staff that we’re trying we’re to keep, we’re going to try and retain. So the staff is starting to shape out bit by bit, every day. And I think by next week or so, we’ll have that in place.”