Only two Michigan football coordinators have been handpicked for the Broyles Award, which goes to college football's top assistant. Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale could be the third during the 2025 season for the Wolverines. The momentum train is on his side. What follows is a trifecta of reasons why he can etch his name in Michigan history.
Here are three reasons he can be the next to etch his name in Michigan football history.
1. Martindale's defense is decisively better than 11 of its opponents
When the Wolverines rush the field on August 30th, there shouldn't be a defense that is superior to them until November 29th, and that's debatable as well. With roughly eight starters returning who have gotten substantial playing time, Martindale has the luxury of not having to depend on too many first-time starters in the lineup.
2. No other coordinator in the mix has Martindale's NFL background
When you sift through some of the candidates Martindale is the only one that is credited with such a high-profile NFL pedigree. Jim Knowles of Penn State was never in the league, nor was Will Stein, from Oregon. Tom Allen at Clemson didn't make the leap. Alabama's Ryan Grubb had a cup of coffee in Seattle, but abruptly fell in the lap of Kalen DeBoer again.
Other names to consider are Pete Kwiatkowski in Austin, Phil Parker, who won it two years ago with Kirk Ferentz and Glenn Schumann at Georgia. Mike Denbrock of Notre Dame is the highest paid offensive coordinator in the game. Plus Martindale can tinker from the minds of the Harbaugh brothers, which is a distinct advantage for him over others.
3. Nobody's defense was more impressive in the final 14 quarters of the season then Martindale's
Martindale's unit only permitted 32 points in the last three and a half games of 2024. No other defense can attest to that. That usually overlaps into next season if you have the proper tools in place, like Michigan football does. Year two under Jesse Minter netted a national championship. I'm not saying that will be the same result in 2025, but the similarities between the two groups are hard to ignore.