According to multiple reporters, new Michigan football defensive coordinator Don ‘Wink’ Martindale signed a three-year deal with the Wolverines and it’s for a healthy amount of money. Martindale signed a deal with Michigan that will make him $2.3 million in 2024, $2.5 million in 2025, and $2.7 million in 2026. The former Giants’ defensive coordinator was set to make $3 million in 2024.
Last season, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter made $1.1 million during the 2023 season with the Wolverines. The highest paid assistant coach last season was Clemson’s offensive coordinator Garrett Riley who made $2.05 million, according to USA TODAY Report. With the new deal Martindale signed, he could be the highest paid assistant coach in college football entering the 2024 campaign.
With the loss of Jim Harbaugh and the amount of money Michigan had saved for him, it’s becoming abundantly clear that the athletic department was utilizing the money for Sherrone Moore to fill out his staff.
Linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary also signed a three year deal. He will make $900,000 in 2024, $925,000 in 2025, and $950,000 in 2026. He came back to the Wolverines after spending time at Tennessee.
Tony Alford signed a three-year deal after leaving Ohio State. Alford will make $850,000 and coach the Michigan running backs. Alford has a great track record recruiting the running back position and developing some NFL running backs. Alford was making $772,500 at Ohio State, so the Wolverines gave him a nice payday.
Defensive backs coach LaMar Morgan signed a two-year deal. He will make $675,000 in 2024 and it will go up to $725,000 in 2025. Morgan came to Michigan from Louisiana where he was the defensive coordinator.
