Wink Martindale in the Mix? Michigan Faces Crucial Call After Sherrone Moore Firing
The Michigan football program is staring down another seismic shift. Just months after Jim Harbaugh’s departure to the NFL and the promotion of Sherrone Moore, the Wolverines are back in the head coach market-this time following Moore’s sudden dismissal for cause. And while big-name candidates are already being floated, one familiar face is quietly gaining traction: defensive coordinator Wink Martindale.
Martindale, who joined the Wolverines this season after a lengthy NFL career, is no stranger to high-level football. His presence in Ann Arbor helped steady the ship following Jesse Minter’s departure, and his defense played a major role in Michigan’s 9-3 campaign. The Wolverines finished the year ranked 21st nationally in total defense-a testament to Martindale’s ability to adapt his pro-style schemes to the college game.
That kind of résumé doesn’t go unnoticed. Especially not when the program is in flux and looking for stability.
But here’s the catch: promoting from within just burned Michigan. Moore was an internal hire, elevated after Harbaugh’s exit, and while his tenure was brief, it ended in controversy. That’s left many around the program wary of repeating the same process-especially with another coach who, despite his credentials, carries his own set of question marks.
Martindale’s NFL track record is impressive, but it’s also complicated. His exit from the New York Giants was marred by tension with head coach Brian Daboll, reportedly stemming from the firing of Martindale’s close assistant, Drew Wilkins.
That dispute escalated to the point where Martindale allegedly lashed out at Daboll-an episode that raised real concerns about his leadership style and locker room management. And it wasn’t the first time his departure from a team came with drama.
His exit from Baltimore wasn’t exactly smooth either.
So while Martindale’s defensive mind is elite-there’s no denying that-it’s fair to ask whether he’s the right fit to lead a program like Michigan, especially at a moment when the school is trying to turn the page.
There’s also the bigger-picture consideration: Michigan is a blue-blood program with national title aspirations. This isn’t just about finding someone to keep the lights on.
It’s about finding a leader who can shape the next era of Wolverines football. And with five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood on the way, there’s a real argument to be made for bringing in an offensive-minded head coach who can develop young talent and modernize the attack.
If the rumors are true and someone like Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer is interested, that changes the equation entirely. DeBoer’s offensive acumen and head coaching experience would make him a splash hire-and one that would signal Michigan’s intent to stay among the sport’s elite.
That’s not to say Martindale shouldn’t be considered. He’s already in the building, he knows the players, and he just helped engineer a top-25 defense. But promoting another internal candidate, especially one with a history of friction in leadership roles, could be seen as a step backward rather than forward.
Right now, Michigan has a chance to reset. To move beyond the Harbaugh era, the Moore fallout, and the uncertainty that’s followed. Whether that means going after a proven head coach from outside or swinging big for a rising star, the decision will shape the identity of the program for years to come.
Wink Martindale may be in the conversation-and deservedly so-but if Michigan wants a clean break and a bold new direction, they may need to look beyond their current staff.