3 coaching changes the Ravens could make in the offseason
By Justin Fried
3. Wink Martindale, defensive coordinator, Ravens
No, the Ravens are not going to fire defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. For all the flack the uber-aggressive Martindale gets from fans from time to time, he remains a very intelligent defensive mind and an important part of the coaching staff.
In fact, he’s so highly-regarded around the league that Martindale might end up departing for a job elsewhere. That’s the reason the Ravens might be forced to make a change.
Martindale has been involved in head coach rumors for the last couple of years and has interviewed for open positions in the past. That could be the case again this offseason.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are one team that has already been connected to the longtime assistant coach and as we near closer to the offseason, the coaching carousel is set to be in full swing.
Expect other teams to come calling for Martindale’s services. And it’s hard to blame them.
The Ravens’ defense has taken a step back in 2021, but much of that has been due to a ridiculous string of injuries on that side of the ball.
Martindale has been forced to overcome season-ending injuries to the likes of Marlon Humphrey, Marcus Peters, Derek Wolfe, and DeShon Elliott while countless others have missed significant periods of time. There’s only so much a coach can do.
Martindale has garnered a reputation for being a leader of men and a brilliant defensive mind. After years of rumors and considerations, some team might just pull the trigger and hire him this offseason.