The Michigan Wolverines are facing a balancing act that feels more like a tightrope walk over a pit of uncertainty. The program has seen its fair share of turnover in recent years, losing defensive coordinators faster than some teams change playbooks. Now, as the 2025 season inches closer, the status of Don “Wink” Martindale hangs like a question mark over Moore’s plans for another Big Ten title run. Sherrone Moore hinted on Friday that it ‘looks good’ that Rod Moore will return to the team next year and use his fifth year of eligibility. But can he pull off the same magic with Martindale and keep him in Ann Arbor, or will the NFL lure him back into its high-stakes carousel?

Last week, the rumor mill churned as Martindale reportedly interviewed with the Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts, and Cincinnati Bengals for their vacant defensive coordinator positions. For a Michigan program that’s already weathered the losses of Mike Macdonald in 2021 and Jesse Minter after two seasons, the prospect of another DC departure felt like a cruel case of déjà vu. But there’s a silver lining in the chaos.

As Michigan Sports Talk put it, “The Atlanta Falcons have already hired a defensive coordinator, so that’s one down. The Bengals potentially pursuing him doesn’t seem to be happening here.” This means only the Colts remain as a real suitor—and even that’s far from a done deal.

The Colts have just announced Lou Anarumo as their new defensive coordinator after his Bengals exit and have effectively taken themselves off the table. And the Falcons announced Jeff Ulbrich as their new DC on Monday. That’s two doors closed, leaving Martindale’s NFL aspirations in limbo.

The Michigan insider was cautiously optimistic, as he said, “It is looking pretty good for Michigan to get back Wink Martindale.” But, as they also noted, nothing is ever truly set in stone. Martindale himself has been candid about his approach to such situations. “When he took this job, he said he wanted to retire here, with this job, but he wouldn’t not talk to teams. If somebody backed up a Brink’s truck, he wouldn’t just say no,” the source revealed.

Martindale’s first season as defensive coordinator saw the Wolverines field a unit that was as aggressive as it was disciplined, a perfect complement to Moore’s offensive ingenuity. Anchored by veterans like Rayshaun Benny, who confirmed his return for a fifth year, the defense thrived under Martindale’s leadership. But without Wink Martindale at the helm, the Wolverines risk losing the cohesion that made their defense a nightmare for opposing offenses. Although Sherrone Moore already made a big splash, bringing the longtime NFL mainstay back to the college game after decades away from it.

Their journey was filled with rocks, in many respects, as his defenses gave up big points to teams like Texas and Oregon. But Martindale settled in, holding Ohio State to just 10 points in Columbus and Alabama to 13 points at the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa.

Meanwhile, the NFL coaching carousel continues to spin, with teams like the New York Jets, Raiders, and Chicago Bears still sorting out their staffs. Any movement at the head coach level could create a domino effect, leading to more vacancies at defensive coordinator. If that happens, Martindale’s name could resurface in discussions, reigniting concerns in Ann Arbor. Could the Wolverines lose three defensive coordinators to the big boy’s league in four years?

More money for Wink Martindale is probably Moore’s best solution

They are already doing that too. Sherrone Moore faces a tough decision as Wink Martindale, their highly regarded defensive coordinator, entertains NFL opportunities. While the Wolverines could sweeten the pot financially, Martindale is already the second-highest-paid coordinator in college football, raking in a cool $2.3 million annually—just behind LSU’s Blake Baker at $2.5 million.

Speaking to Angelique Chengelis of the Detroit News on Friday, head coach Sherrone Moore didn’t hide his feelings about the potential departure. “Don’t want to lose him,” Moore said candidly. “Don’t want him to go anywhere. Want him to be here in Michigan, and I think he does, too. But he has opportunities he has to look at.”

Ultimately, it comes down to what Martindale wants. With two decades of NFL experience under his belt before joining Michigan, his heart may still beat to the rhythm of the professional game. For now, though, Michigan appears to be in the driver’s seat. So, some of you in maize and blue can take just a medium breath.