Former Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale is reportedly joining Michigan.
According to the New York Daily News, coach Wink Martindale is joining the Michigan Wolverines of the NCAA as their defensive coordinator after an unsatisfactory conclusion to his time with the New York Giants.
After Jim Harbaugh left Michigan earlier this month to take a head coaching position with the Los Angeles Chargers, the defending national champions will have had two coaching changes in as many weeks.
During his two seasons as the Giants’ defensive coordinator, Martindale shaped the team’s identity and produced a defense that was constantly productive on the field. With 31, the 2023 Giants were equal for first place in the league in takeaways.
His departure from the Giants was beset by controversy following head coach Brian Daboll’s announcement of multiple coaching staff changes. Martindale left New York as a result of such adjustments, and other clubs looking to fill head coach and defensive coordinator positions made him a top target.The Jacksonville Jaguars were one of the teams that shown interest in hiring Martindale, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
According to ESPN, the Giants hired Shane Bowen, a former defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans, earlier this week, to take Martindale’s spot as defensive coordinator.
The Giants will be hoping that Bowen can continue the team’s excellent defensive play in the upcoming season as Martindale leaves for a new project.
Martindale’s addition to Michigan enhances their status as the top collegiate football squad. He will not only bring in a person with a wealth of NFL experience and a proven track record of great defenses at the highest level of professional football, but his defensive attitude will also make that unit incredibly powerful.
On paper, Martindale is an A+ recruit for Michigan, and they are hoping that his NFL success will carry over to the collegiate ranks and perhaps even play a significant role in another national championship.
