3 Reasons Why Wink Martindale’s Hiring as Michigan’s DC Is a Masterstroke From Sherrone Moore & Co.

After Jim Harbaugh departed for the Los Angeles Chargers, Michigan promoted former offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore to head coach. Moore showed promise during a brief stint as interim coach in 2023, guiding the Wolverines to a 4-0 record. As he prepares for his debut season, fans eagerly anticipate the formation of his coaching staff as he aims to emulate Harbaugh’s success.

Recent reports indicate that Sherrone Moore, at the helm of Michigan’s coaching staff, has initiated talks to bring on board Wink Martindale, the former defensive coordinator for the New York Giants, for the same role with the Wolverines. While negotiations are ongoing, insiders familiar with the discussions anticipate a smooth process without any major hurdles.

Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic jotted down three primary reasons why getting Martindale on board would be a masterstroke by Michigan. First off, “Young defenders usually like wise older dudes with an edge.” Second, Michigan has the salary cap to “pay him,” and third, “Michigan hasn’t asked its previous two DCs to do that much Crootin anyway.”

Martindale parted ways with the Giants in January after a mixed 2023 season. Despite the defense’s 27th overall ranking, it excelled in creating turnovers, leading the NFL in this regard. Interestingly, ESPN Analytics placed the New York defense at 17th overall. However, the team’s offense struggled, ranking 30th, while special teams came in at 25th during a disappointing campaign that saw the Giants win just six games following a prior playoff run.

Martindale is set to replace Jesse Minter, who left to join Jim Harbaugh with the Los Angeles Chargers. Minter contributed to Michigan’s recent successes, including their first national title in 26 years, two Big Ten championships, and multiple College Football Playoff appearances. Both Minter and former Michigan DC Mike Macdonald implemented versions of Martindale’s defense, which may smooth the transition for players under Martindale’s leadership.

With Wink Martindale as good as hired, Sherrone Moore has ticked one of the boxes left vacant after Jim Harbaugh’s departure and subsequent poaching. Another big question mark was the role Moore left to become the head coach –  the Wolverines’ offensive coordinator. And now, Moore’s taken care of that as well.

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Who is Sherrone Moore’s new offensive coordinator?

The 36-year-old coach expressed a desire to retain much of the coaching staff from the Jim Harbaugh era, citing their crucial role in Michigan’s undefeated national championship season. This continuity could benefit both the coaching staff and players, as it reduces the time needed for adjustments. 

Michigan announced the promotion of quarterbacks coach Kirk Campbell to offensive coordinator and the shift of tight ends coach Grant Newsome to oversee the offensive line. Campbell, 37, initially joined Michigan as an offensive analyst before becoming a quarterbacks coach in 2023. His work with quarterback J.J. McCarthy was instrumental in the team’s national championship victory.

With the staff for the Michigan Wolverines almost finalized, Sherrone Moore & Co. will look to keep up the momentum from the past few seasons despite missing names that had otherwise become synonymous with Michigan. However, there’s no doubt that Moore is the right man to lead them. Jim Harbaugh said so himself.

As the 2023-24 season beckons, what are your expectations for the Michigan Wolverines? Will Wink Martindale fit right in at Ann Arbor?

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