Michigan DC Wink Martindale on difference between Wolverines, NFL: 'Football is football'

Former Michigan star Charles Woodson caught up with new Wolverines defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale while attending the program’s Spring Game on Saturday.

Martindale was asked by Woodson what it’s like returning to college football after spending so much time in the NFL, but the game is the same for the defensive coordinator.

“I mean, football is football, but I’m having so much fun coaching these guys,” Martindale said. “I’m telling you, this game is just as close to the league as it is today.”

Of course, Martindale runs a similar system to the one Michigan has implemented over the last couple of seasons, so he’s willing to listen to input while installing what he likes to do.

“It’s been great. It’s been great. And they have some good ideas too,” Martindale added. “You know, I’ll roll with a good idea. So they have some ideas of what they’ve done before. You know, we’ll go with that. But it’s been a lot of fun all spring. Obviously, we can’t show everything, but.”

Moreover, Martindale unceremoniously parted-ways with the New York Giants after clashing with head coach Brian Daboll earlier this offseason. A lot of eyes both inside and outside the New York area have been waiting on Martindale’s next move, and now we know he’s headed to Ann Arbor as they enter a new era. 

This marks a return to the college game for Martindale, who’s been in the NFL since 2004. The last time he had to recruit was in 2003 at Western Kentucky. It’ll certainly be a change for the 60-year-old defensive mind. 

Moreover, Martindale will bring his history of blitzing as much as possible to the Wolverines, as he’s as aggressive as they come for a defensive coordinator. Additionally, perhaps his feud with Daboll has humbled him a bit, which could make him easier to work with for Moore. Regardless, we’re sure if there were any questions of Martindale’s potential synergy with Michigan, he wouldn’t have been hired.

It’s going to be interesting to see how Don “Wink” Martindale does at Michigan after almost two decades in the NFL. Time will tell, but it’s going to be a different look for the Wolverines in 2024.

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While Martindale’s experience speaks for himself, the New York Giants defense struggled to meet the expectations of the higher-ups in the organization, and the two mutually agreed to part ways. Martindale led New York’s defense to allow 361.7 yards per game and gave up 48 touchdowns — tied for the third-highest mark in the NFL during the regular season.

Still, he is 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.

Throughout his time with the Giants, Martindale became a beloved figure from fans, even though this past season left some to be desired. While players like star pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux blossomed early on, there were too many games where he was invisible.