6 realistic coaches the Ravens could hire to replace Wink Martindale
By Justin Fried
6. The Ravens could hire Mike Zimmer to replace Wink Martindale
Mike Zimmer is undoubtedly one of (if not the) most respected defensive-minded coaches on the open market right now. After serving as the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings for the last eight years, Zimmer is looking for work once again.
Zimmer has ample experience as a defensive coordinator, having served in that role for three different organizations from 2000 to 2013, most recently as the DC of the Cincinnati Bengals from 2008 to 2013.
Now, Zimmer doesn’t have any history with the Ravens organization. But if they come calling with an appealing offer and a large sum of money, they might just be able to convince him to hop on board.
This is probably the least realistic option, but it’s worth considering regardless.
5. The Ravens could hire Joe Cullen to replace Wink Martindale
The Ravens could explore bringing back a familiar face in the form of former defensive line coach Joe Cullen. Cullen served as the team’s defensive line coach from 2016 to 2020 before he left to be the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defensive coordinator under now-former head coach Urban Meyer.
With Meyer gone, Cullen’s future in Jacksonville is up in the air until the Jaguars can find a new head coach. There’s a good chance he won’t be retained, which could set up a reunion with his former team.
Cullen has defensive coordinator experience under his belt, not only at the NFL level, but during his time in college as well. And his familiarity with a large portion of the roster and current coaching staff could work in his favor.
Don’t be surprised if the Ravens call Cullen and ask him to return in some capacity, possibly as their next defensive coordinator.