The New York Jets are in a time of change. They've not had a successful season whatsoever in 2025, with none of the quarterbacks panning out, multiple stars getting traded or missing huge parts of the season, and no change of the top pick in the NFL Draft.
Aaron Glenn has not had a good first season with the Jets, and his firing of Steve Wilks from the defensive coordinator role shows just how poorly this year has gone.
This offseason, with the need for a new defensive coordinator, Glenn and the Jets are linked to an interesting name. Connor Hughes of SNY links a former Michigan Wolverine and longtime NFL DC to the Jets for their coordinator spot.
Jets linked to ex-Michigan, longtime NFL DC to replace Steve Wilks
"Underrated name that hasn't been tied to the Jets, but I'd keep an eye on as DC: Wink Martindale," Hughes reports. "That would make a ton of sense, and I think it would work really, really well. Instant boost for the defense."
Don "Wink" Martindale is expected to be released from his job as the Michigan defensive coordinator, and in turn, could find his way back to the NFL.
The longtime coordinator has led a few different defenses in the league over the years. His first was in 2010 with the Denver Broncos, who finished as the worst defense by yards allowed and points allowed.
But, after joining the Baltimore Ravens from 2018 through 2021, they had defensive ranks of 1, 4, 7, and 25 in yards allowed and 2, 3, 2, and 19 in points allowed.
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He was a solid coordinator for the Ravens, but after a down 2021 season, he left to join the New York Giants as their defensive coordinator. His defenses in New York were ranked 25th and 27th in yards allowed in 2022 and 2023, and 17th and 26th in points allowed.
While he hasn't been the best coordinator in the NFL when he's had a job, the ceiling of his defenses can be one of the best units in the NFL.
After how poorly 2025 went with Wilks in the coordinator role, Martindale might not be a terrible option. Hughes links the Jets to Martindale as a potential defensive coordinator option this offseason, and Jets fans should keep him in mind as a potential option for Glenn and the Jets defense in 2026.
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