Former rival coach who helped fuel an amazing Joe Burrow game now linked to Bengals' defensive coordinator search
The Cincinnati Bengals are into another week searching for a new defensive coordinator, and an old nemesis now may be in the mix. NFL Media's Tom Pelissero reports that the Bengals "could have interest" in current Michigan DC Don "Wink" Martindale, whom will be interviewing with the Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts this week. Martindale […]
The Cincinnati Bengals are into another week searching for a new defensive coordinator, and an old nemesis now may be in the mix.
NFL Media's Tom Pelissero reports that the Bengals "could have interest" in current Michigan DC Don "Wink" Martindale, whom will be interviewing with the Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts this week.
Martindale became Michigan's DC last year after a two-year run with the New York Giants. Before then, he was a part of the Baltimore Ravens' staff from 2012-2021. He coached linebackers from 2012-17 and held the DC title from 2018-21.
Bengals fans remember very vividly the last time Martindale coached against the Bengals in 2021. The Ravens were coming off a game against the Aaron Rodgers-led Green Bay Packers, and Martindale dismissed the hype around Joe Burrow at the time.
"Aaron Rodgers is a Hall of Fame QB, and I don't think we're ready to buy a gold jacket for Joe (Burrow)," Martindale said after his Ravens came off a game against the Rodgers-led Green Bay Packers.
The Bengals destroyed the Ravens, 41-21, as Burrow ended up throwing for what's still a career-high 525 passing yards and four touchdowns to boot against Martindale's defense that was down several starters. Burrow told reporters after the game he saw what Martindale had said about him.
"I didn’t think it was a necessary comment," Burrow said. "I wouldn’t say I was offended by it. I mean, I’m in year two. Who knows what’s going to happen down the road? But I didn’t think it was a necessary comment."
When asked if it motivated him, Burrow offered a sly, "Maybe," in response.
Martindale was fired after that season and many point to that game being one of the reasons as to why. The Ravens replaced him with Mike Macdonald, who excelled so much in the following two years that he became the Seattle Seahawks head coach in 2024.
It was a low point in an otherwise productive stint in Martindale's run with Baltimore. His defense ranked third in EPA/play allowed from 2018-2020, but dropped to 27th in 2021. His two years with the Giants weren't much better, but his Michigan defense did stifle Ohio State back in November, which many OSU/Bengals fans should note.
Martindale, a native of Dayton, Ohio, isn't confirmed to be interviewing with the Bengals at this time, but he's now a high-profile name to watch for as the search continues.
Bengals Defensive Coordinator Search Tracker: Interviews, rumors, and everything else to know
Everything you need to know about the Bengals’ search for a new defensive coordinator.
