Nobody wants Wink Martindale to leave Ann Arbor. Michigan has already lost two of their previous defensive coordinators to the NFL—Mike Macdonald and Jesse Minter. This offseason is going off in a very similar direction as their DC is showing signs of NFL interest. And yes, he’s getting lots of offers from the pro level, and that’s making HC Sherrone Moore anxious. Can he trust Martindale to stay in Michigan? While he holds on to hope that his 61-year-old defensive genius will stay put, he still needs to get on with a backup plan.

If Wink Martindale leaves, who will take his place? The latest YouTube episode on Michigan Football Report With James Yoder on January 18, talked about the potential replacements of the Michigan DC. James Yoder’s first candidate is Doug Mallory and it’s no surprise. He added why, “Former Michigan football player, played with Jim Harbaugh back in the 80s… All Big Ten linebacker in 1987.”

Doug Mallory may have left Ann Arbor following their National Championship win after serving as their defensive analyst for three years under Jim Harbaugh. He took up the NFL role of a defensive backs coach for the Baltimore Ravens in 2024. But the connection had always been there. The 60-year-old played for Michigan from 1984 to 1987, where he led the defense in four major bowl games with 182 tackles and six interceptions. His transition to coaching was highly successful with over 30 years of experience across both college football and the NFL. 

There’s another coach hot on James Yoder’s list, and that’s Indiana’s DC Bryant Haines, who’s a younger replacement prospect. After leading his team to an impressive one-loss regular season, he was named as a finalist for the Broyles Award for the second straight season. Under him, the Hoosiers limited their opponents to under 100 yards rushing in eight of 12 games played this past season and led in rushing defense (70.8).

Per Yoder’s observation, there are a couple of interesting facts that draw Haines to Michigan. He said, “He happens to have the same agent as Sherrone Moore… Another interesting fact number two… He went to Ball State 2005 through 2008. Who was the head coach at Ball State during all of those seasons? None other than Michigan legendary former head coach Brady Hoke.” But will they be able to replace Wink Martindale?

Sherrone Moore doesn’t want to lose Wink Martindale

Michigan may have fallen behind this time under Sherrone Moore’s debut HC season. But their 13-10 victory over Ohio State in The Game is the highlight of their season, thanks to Wink Martindale’s contribution. But his leaving for the NFL is becoming more and more likely with him taking multiple interviews. This week, he interviewed for the Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons while also attracting other teams like the Cincinnati Bengals. 

On Friday, Sherrone Moore expressed his desires about Martindale’s situation, saying, “He’s a great coach… I always welcome our guys with opportunities, but don’t want to lose him. Don’t want him to go anywhere. Want him to be here in Michigan, and I think he does, too. But he has opportunities that he has to look at.” After all, who can stand in anyone’s path to progress?

The decision will ultimately come down to Wink Martindale. Time will tell if he’ll seek his fortune in the pro league or head back to Ann Arbor for a second year.