Colts are circling back to a finalist to become their head coach in 2023 for their open defensive coordinator position
The Indianapolis Colts are turning over multiple stones in their search for their next defensive coordinator. Including one they already turned over in the past, it seems. With NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reporting that the Colts are set to interview former NFL coordinator and current University of Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. Colts set to interview […]
The Indianapolis Colts are turning over multiple stones in their search for their next defensive coordinator.
Including one they already turned over in the past, it seems. With NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reporting that the Colts are set to interview former NFL coordinator and current University of Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale.
Colts set to interview Michigan Wolverines's Wink Martindale for their open DC position
The Colts are scheduled to interview Martindale on Wednesday, January 15th. This makes him the fifth candidate to have a confirmed interview to become the Colts' next defensive coordinator. But this won't be the first time the Colts have spoken to Martindale in an interview setting.
Back in 2023, when the team was looking for their next head coach, Martindale made it through as a finalist, though obviously, they gave the job to Shane Steichen. He impressed the team enough in 2023 to be named a finalist for the job but also enough that they are now circling back to Martindale as an option to be their next defensive coordinator.
Martindale is well respected across the NFL for his incredible work with multiple defenses throughout his career. The one that he is probably the most known for being his time with the Baltimore Ravens from 2018 to 2021. Where his diverse blitz packages and flat-out aggressiveness made him a household name. He continued that success into the college level this past year, where he led Michigan's defense, which, despite their poor season overall, was far and away the brightest spot of the team. The Colts won't be the only team looking at Martindale for their defensive coordinator position. So, getting him in the building early is a win for the team. If they want to end up landing him, they will have plenty of competition from the NFL. I also wouldn't be shocked if Michigan offers him a raise to try and keep him in Ann Arbor.
The fact that the Colts are showing interest in an aggressive defensive system like Martindale's seems significant, no matter if he lands the job. It's further proof that the team desires to alter the defensive philosophy they've utilized in the past with Gus Bradley and Matt Eberflus. One concern does come to mind, though. I wonder if Steichen being hired for a job Martindale interviewed for in 2023 could create weird tension between the two. And with the season the Colts just had with locker room issues dominating the headlines, they can't afford tension between the leaders of their offense and defense.
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