3 thoughts on Wink Martindale being hired as Michigan football DC

Michigan football has hired a new defensive coordinator and here are three thoughts on the addition of Wink Martindale to the Wolverines staff.
Dec 25, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants defensive coordinator Don  Wink
Dec 25, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants defensive coordinator Don Wink / Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
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Should help with player retention

Throughout this transition, the most important thing is player retention. Michigan football lost 17 starters to the NFL, but there are a bunch of superstarts on this team, especially on the defensive side of the ball, but even on offense. The offensive line is going to be damn good again, plus Donovan Edwards and Colston Loveland are great building blocks. Not to mention a guy like Kalel Mullings.

The defense could have three first-round picks starting next year in Will Johnson, Kenneth Grant, and Mason Graham. Plus, there are guys like Josaiah Stewart, Derrick Moore, Ernest Hausmann, Rod Moore, Makari Paige, Keon Sabb, Jimmy Rolder, Rayshaun Benny, and others ready to make bigger impacts.

The cupboard on defense is far from bare. In fact, I think Michigan football could have the best defense in college football once again. Plus, in a very shrewd move, Sherrone Moore, according to Chris Balas of The Wolverine, allowed some players to sit in on the interview with Martindale.

The buy-in of the players is most important and they seemed to be all about this hire and if the best guys on this defense fall in love with Martindale, that will go a long way to keeping them out of the transfer portal.

I could be wrong, but I think this helps keep Michigan's elite defenders at Michigan.