Report: Wink Martindale Finalizing Contract as Michigan's New DC Under Sherrone Moore

New Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore has filled one of the marquee positions on his staff for the 2024 season.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, former New York Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale is finalizing a deal to take the same position with the Wolverines.

When Jim Harbaugh left to become head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, he took several key members of the Michigan staff with him. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter joined Harbaugh in Los Angeles.

Special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh, Jim's son, was linked to the Chargers. It appears the 34-year-old will join Mike Macdonald's staff with the Seattle Seahawks. Macdonald was Michigan's defensive coordinator in 2021 before being hired by the Baltimore Ravens.

Moore promoted Kirk Campbell, who has been on the Wolverines' staff since 2022, to offensive coordinator. Campbell is also retaining the title of quarterbacks coach that he held last season.

Martindale is the first major outside hire Moore has made, though he's connected to the Harbaugh family. The 60-year-old worked on John Harbaugh's staff with the Ravens from 2012 to '21, including his last four seasons as defensive coordinator.

After leaving the Ravens following the 2021 season, Martindale was hired by the New York Giants to be their defensive coordinator.

There were reports of a contentious relationship between Martindale and head coach Brian Daboll throughout the 2023 season that ended when Martindale parted ways with the Giants following a disappointing 6-11 record.

When Martindale's hiring becomes official, he will be taking over a Michigan defense that led the nation in points allowed per game (10.4) last season. The Wolverines have ranked in the top 10 nationally in scoring defense in each of the past three seasons.