Around this time in 2024, the question when Michigan football landed defensive coordinator Wink Martindale would be how long could it keep him? Could he be a long-term solution at the position or was he just a rental?

Wink Martindale may be under contract with Michigan, but he’s made it clear to those in charge: He’s still going to entertain NFL job interviews. In January, the Wolverines’ defensive coordinator accepted interview requests from the Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts, two franchises that had vacancies in the role this offseason.

Martindale spoke with the Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts about their coordinator openings, but both organizations went other directions.

The Michigan football defense we saw early in the season in 2024 was much different than the one that surfaced by the end. After letting Texas move up and down the field, as well as some other teams,

Michigan football DC Wink Martindale interviewed with NFL teams, but decides to stay in Ann Arbor with Wolverines.

Second-year Wolverines defensive coordinator Wink Martindale made the decision to return to Ann Arbor after interest from NFL teams, giving Michigan fans hope for another strong defensive performance in 2025.