A new defensive coordinator candidate has emerged for the Indianapolis Colts.
According to Joel Erickson of the Indy Star, the Colts will be interviewing current Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale for the opening. The interview will take place on Thursday.
In his first season as the defensive play-caller for the Wolverines, Michigan ranked 17th out of all FBS programs in points per game allowed this season and 10th in yards per game surrendered.
The Michigan defense capped off their season with very impressive performances against Ohio State and Alabama.
Before that, Martindale had been the New York Giants’ defensive coordinator from 2022-2023 and the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive coordinator from 2018-2021.
Martindale’s coaching background on the defensive side of the ball is rooted at the linebacker position.
During GM Chris Ballard’s end of season press conference, he did mention that there is “value” in being more aggressive defensively, and that element is very much Martindale’s calling card in his blitz-heavy scheme.
In his final season with the Giants in 2023, New York ranked second in blitz rate, which is common in a Martindale-led defense.
Along with Martindale, we know that the Colts have also interviewed or will interview Steve Wilks, Ephraim Banda, Dennis Allen, and Lou Anarumo.
