The Baltimore Ravens made the stunning decision to part ways with defensive coordinator Wink Martindale on Friday. It wasn’t the coaching change many Ravens fans had expected or hoped for, and now the team will have to search for his replacement.
By all accounts, the decision to move on from Martindale was a mutual one. Martindale had one year remaining on his contract, and with the Ravens opting not to offer him an extension, the two sides agreed to simply move on a year early.
While some might be quick to jump to the conclusion that Martindale’s departure is performance-based, it seems more likely that philosophical differences led to him leaving.
The Ravens will now begin their search for his replacement, and it’s likely they already have a few names in mind.
There is no shortage of intriguing and/or realistic options to supplant Martindale as the Ravens’ next defensive coordinator. This is an organization that loves to replenish internally, whether in reference to the coaching staff or front office.
That could be the route they take here, although that’s far from a guarantee. There are a couple of names who have experience with the Ravens that could be brought back as Martindale’s replacement.
There might even be a high-profile name on the market who has no history with the organization that might just intrigue the team.
Let’s take a look at six coaches who could realistically replace Wink Martindale as the Ravens’ next defensive coordinator.