Michigan’s newest defensive coordinator Wink Martindale met with the media on Friday, and it sure seems that he likes a lot of what he’s already seeing at Michigan. Martindale, who spent the last six years as the defensive coordinator with the Baltimore Ravens (2018-21) and New York Giants (2022-23), says there are more similarities between college and the NFL then there are differences – particularly in the age of NIL and the transfer portal.

Speaking about his defensive philosophy, Martindale says it will look very similar to what Michigan fans experienced under previous defensive coordinators Mike Macdonald and Jesse Minter. In fact, Martindale is the self-proclaimed “OG” of that system.

“The great thing is we were all together, Mike, Jesse and I,” Martindale said. “Obviously others seen throughout the NFL — I think there’s like six teams that are running this system now. And same thing college-wise, D’Anton Lynn at USC. So it’s been a lot of fun. I think we all have our own personalities. I think we all call games differently than each other. Some are more aggressive, some are less aggressive.

“And the thing I love about it is the system works. It’s proven that it works. And I think Mike and Jesse did a tremendous job here at Michigan. And it’s fun for me to watch the tape because you do become the proud parent, if you will, to see another guy’s success and everything else. Because I think as the defensive coordinator, that’s my job not only to develop players, but to develop coaches, and you see a lot of success with those guys.”

With spring practice set to kickoff on Monday, March 18, Martindale will get his first opportunity to see his new defensive unit in action next week. But even without having seen a practice firsthand, Martindale knows he’s got some special talent on the defensive side of the ball.

“Rod Moore, he’s the safety that, and I’m not talking about play-wise or anything else. Smart-wise, football knowledge-wise, all that. He reminds me of Eric Weddle,” Martindale said. “He was one of the smartest safeties I’ve ever coached. I called Weddle and told him about it.

“That’s exciting to me, because there’s a lot of checks that have to made on the field and it’s like, well, the head pieces, the ear pieces coming in now, — which is great because that’s what I’m used to — there’s still signals going to be going on. Rod is like, if they go hurry up, what should we do? Call the defense. You can’t be wrong. He’s that smart.”

Here are some of the key takeaway’s from his press conference on Friday:

• Said he hit it off with Sherrone Moore right away, and that former DC Jesse Minter played a major role in his decision to come to Michigan. Also said it was love at first sight when he saw Michigan run the ball 32 consecutive times against Penn State.
• He says his approach to getting to the QB is a little more aggressive than Jesse (Minter).
• When it comes to leadership, Martindale singled out Will Johnson. “It’s tough to lead when you’re out on the corner, but Will Johnson is a leader.” Referenced seeing Johnson in the weight room, making sure guys were putting things back and straightening up the weights. Can already see that Johnson is a big time player, big time future draft prospect.
• Singled out true freshman LB Cole Sullivan as a player he’s very excited about, a guy with a ton of potential.
• He views Kenneth Grant and Mason Graham as the foundation of the defense. Said Michigan is really solid defensively in the middle at every level (DL, LB, DB).
• One of the things that stands out to him the most early on is how well the defense communicates. He specifically singled out Rod Moore as being a guy who has a very high football IQ. Also mentioned how well Rod Moore and Makari Paige communicate.
• Said years back when he was at Notre Dame, he took his wife on a “romantic” weekend to Michigan to watch the Wolverines battle the Buckeyes. He remembers watching Tim Biakabutuka run all over the Buckeyes, and that Michigan “beat the breaks” off of Ohio State.
• When it comes to the rivalry with Ohio State, Martindale (a native of Ohio) says it is the game, and he’s excited to be a part of it.