The Indianapolis Colts are searching for a defensive coordinator after parting ways with Gus Bradley. Guys like Steve Wilks, Robert Saleh, and Dennis Allen are ideal candidates for the job. But about Wink Martindale? Currently the defensive coordinator for the University of Michigan, Martindale is looking to join the NFL this offseason.
Indy’s defense struggled in each of Bradley’s three years with the team. The unit finished 29, 28, and 27th in points allowed the past three seasons.
Wink Martindale Could Be a Great Defensive Coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts
Wink Martindale’s Career
Don “Wink” Martindale began his football career back in 1981, playing linebacker for Defiance College. Shortly after that, his coaching career got underway in 1986, serving as the defensive coordinator for Defiance College. He later bounced around the college game with coaching stints at Notre Dame, Cincinnati, Western Illinois, and Western Kentucky.
Martindale moved on to the NFL in 2004, becoming the linebackers coach for the Oakland Raiders. He left the Raiders and became the linebackers coach for the Denver Broncos in 2009. One year later, he was promoted to the Broncos’ defensive coordinator.
Martindale joined the Baltimore Ravens in 2012 and remained with the franchise until 2021. During his time in Baltimore, he served as the linebackers coach (2012-17) and the defensive coordinator (2018-2021). He was part of the Ravens’ coaching staff that won Super Bowl XLVII over the San Francisco 49ers.
Following a two-year stint as the New York Giants’ defensive coordinator, Martindale returned to college football, taking the same position at Michigan in February 2024. This past season, the Wolverines upset Ohio State 13-10. Martindale’s defense did an outstanding job in that game, holding the Buckeyes to their lowest regular season scoring output since 2011.
Why the Colts Should Consider Him
Again, Wink Martindale will provide a much more aggressive defense than what Gus Bradley brought to Indy. He loves to blitz and that’s exactly what the Colts need to do. Zach Hicks of si.com described Martindale’s defense perfectly:
“The expectation with a coach like Martindale is a ton of pre-snap disguise and sim pressures, with his defense likely having a blitz rate well above 30% (something the Colts’ haven’t had in at least the last decade). Players like Zaire Franklin, Kenny Moore II, and even Nick Cross would be asked to attack downhill much more in this system than what we’ve seen in years past.”
Despite a weak performance this season, the Colts have several quality defenders on their roster. If general manager Chris Ballard can add more pieces during the offseason and hires someone like Wink Martindale, Indy’s D can improve quite a bit in 2025.
Main Image: Vincent Carchietta – USA Today Sports
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