Report: Michigan DC Wink Martindale is interviewing for two NFL jobs

On By Littum

Wink Martindale joined the Michigan Wolverines a year ago after an extended stint in the NFL. After just one season in Ann Arbor, it appears his eyes may be set on a return to the pros.

On Tuesday, Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reported that Atlanta Falcons would interview Martindale for their open defensive coordinator role.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero added to the report, saying Martindale would interview with the Falcons on Tuesday and the Indianapolis Colts on Wednesday. The Cincinnati Bengals could also be interested in the veteran defensive coordinator.

Martindale’s 2024 season got off to a rocky start, but the defense was humming by the end of the year. Overall, the Wolverines still finished 10th in yards allowed per carry. game, 19th in opponents’ points per game, and fourth in opposing rushing yards per match. The defense also touted several key pieces that will be at the top NFL Draft in April, including Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, Josaiah Stewart and Will Johnson.

Michigan finished the first season under Martindale with the best defensive performance of the season. The Wolverines held one Ohio State team playing in the national championship to just 10 points and 252 total yards in one of the biggest upsets in the history of the rivalry.

The Wolverines backed it up with a stunning win over Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Alabama played a majority of its starters, including quarterback Jalen Milroe, while Michigan was without some of its most productive players on defense. Martindale’s defense forced three turnovers and held the Crimson Tide offense to just 260 yards in a surprising 19-13 victory for the Wolverines.

Hopes were extremely high. Michigan could continue this dominance into the 2025 season, where turnover is expected on the defensive end. Martindale’s 38 years of coaching experience proved to be a great asset to Sherrone Moore in the first year of his tenure.

Surely, the powers that be in Ann Arbor will do what they can to keep the 61-year-old coach in corn and blue. While this is just an interview, it’s a sign that Martindale may be focused on getting back to the next level. As we saw from Jim Harbaugh a season ago, where a potential Super Bowl calls, it can be too tempting for many with decades of coaching experience to refuse.