Michigan plans to hire former New York Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale as its defensive coordinator, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Friday.
The deal is still being finalized, but there are no expected hurdles in hiring, the sources said.
The Giants and Martindale parted ways in January after an up-and-down 2023 season in which the defense finished 27th overall but tied for first in the NFL in turnovers created and was easily the best unit in the NFL. equipment. ESPN Analytics ranked New York's defense 17th overall. New York's offense ranked 30th and special teams 25th during a disappointing six-win campaign that followed a playoff season.
Martindale will replace Jesse Minter, who left the program after two years on Tuesday to follow Jim Harbaugh and serve as defensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Chargers. Minter helped Michigan win its first national title in 26 seasons, as well as two Big Ten championships and CFP appearances.
Both Minter and former Michigan DC Mike Macdonald published a version of Martindale's defense, with similar concepts and terminology. So the adjustment for players might not be as dramatic as if another NFL coach took over.
