On Tuesday Tom Pelissero reported that Wink Martindale would be taking interviews to possibly rejoin the NFL. It came as a surprise to some because he is one of the highest-paid coordinators in the sport and earned a raise with how his unit finished the season. Assuming that he does move on, Michigan football would be in search of another hire that can accomplish what he, Jesse Minter, and Mike MacDonald have done since 2021.
Here's a list of three coaches to watch if Martindale bolts to his old stomping grounds.
1. LaMar Morgan-Defensive Backs coach
This one might make the most sense. Morgan was handpicked by Jesse Minter as an up and coming coach and boy was he right by season's end. Morgan helped develop Jyaire Hill, Aamir Hall and Zeke Berry into reliable starters who were playing like first round draft picks without Will Johnson on board.
Morgan is a former defensive coordinator too, but not at a program like Michigan football. We know he can recruit as well. He wouldn't be part of the NFL pipeline, but it's only a matter of time until Morgan is a defensive coordinator somewhere, if not at Michigan.
If Morgan got the oppurtunity, then Michigan football would have to find a new secondary coach. Sherrone Moore could promote from within or grab another rising star in the college or NFL ranks. Morgan is the youngest of the three coaches listed in this article.
2. Steve Clinkscale-Los Angeles Chargers Defensive Backs coach
Last year at this time Sam Webb reported that Clinkscale was going to stick around on Sherrone Moore's staff. He was in line for Wink's role until he apparently changed his mind and followed coach Harbaugh to the pros. Now Moore has a chance to call his mentor and hire Clinkscale for the same spot.
The problem with that may be that if Jesse Minter gets a head coaching gig somewhere, Clinkscale could follow him for a promotion on his staff or stay with Harbaugh and replace Minter as the Chargers new coordinator. The snowball effect would shake up both leagues.
Rookie Tarheeb Still really progressed under Clinkscale's tutelage. He had the most interceptions for the franchise. Elijah Molden, out of Washington, also broke out with Clinkscale in charge. Fellow former Michigan coach Mike Elston would be a primary candidate as well because of his connections to the program. Elston could be in the same position that Clinkscale is, waiting for Martindale to make a decision.
3. Larry Foote-Tampa Bay Buccaneers Inside Linebackers coach
Foote was rumored to be in the mix not too long ago and this time there is a good reason to consider him again. The son of Todd Bowles just transferred to Michigan football and who better to coach him than a guy Bowles knows all too well? It would be a perfect match for Troy Bowles and his dad, with Foote returning to his alma mater.
Foote was in line to be the next Tampa signal caller, but Bowles retained those duties. This would be a prudent move for Foote to prove that he can excel and follow the lineage that Mike MacDonald, Jesse Minter and presumably Wink Martindale left in front of him. With the recent success that Michigan has had on defense, it would be a no-brainer for all parties involved.
Foote would be a home run hire. He's been in the NFL for a decade now and has paid his dues to be a defensive lead coach. The temptation to hang around in the NFL may be too enticing though.
The key to beating Ohio State and winning championships has been centered around the defensive side of the ball for the Wolverines. Using the NFL pipeline should continue to achieve those things. This job is a coveted one if it becomes available. Coach Moore will not have any problems finding the next dignitary coach to engineer another championship-caliber defense in 2025.