In a statement released on the team's website, the Baltimore Ravens have named Don "Wink" Martindale as the team's new defensive coordinator following the retirement of Dean Pees. The Ravens continued their tradition of promoting coaches from within the organization, with Martindale having previously served as the team's linebackers coach from 2012 to 2017.
Coach John Harbaugh said in a press conference:
'Wink' has earned the promotion to defensive coordinator. His agressive mentality will serve to take our defense to new levels. He is obviously respected by players, many of whom have already benefited from his direct coaching at the linebacker position. He knows the ins and outs of what we have been on about defense and has been an important contributor to our success on that side of the ball. This is an exciting day for Wink and his family, and also one for the Ravens.
Martindale was the defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos in 2010, a team that went 4-12 and ranked last in the NFL in total defense. However, his defensive play-calling has been touted as "agressive" and draws parallels to former Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan.
Full history of Ravens defensive coordinators:
- 1996 – 2001: Marvin Lewis
- 2002 – 2004: Mike Nolan (promoted from wide receivers coach)
- 2005 – 2008: Rex Ryan (promoted from defensive line coach)
- 2009 – 2010: Greg Mattison (promoted from linebackers coach)
- 2011: Chuck Pagano (promoted from secondary coach)
- 2012 – 2017: Dean Pees (promoted from linebackers coach)
- 2018 – : Don Martindale (promoted from linebackers coach)
The Ravens previously announced that Marty Mornhinweg would return in 2018 as the team's offensive coordinator.
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