Aug 19, 2020; Owings Mills, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Don Martindale looks on during the morning session of training camp at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The Baltimore Ravens opted to part ways with defensive coordinator ‘Wink’ Martindale, a decision that left fans shocked considering his notoriety around the league.
The Ravens defense struggled this season — there’s no getting around that. Perhaps it was scheme fit, or injuries, but Baltimore’s normally-stout unit was unrecognizable by the end of the season. The Ravens’ entire secondary, seemingly, was out for a majority of the season. That’s not on Wink Martindale.
Change was coming, and it came in the form of Martindale, whose departure sent shockwaves around the fanbase.
Considering the Ravens led the league in fewest points and yards allowed the three seasons prior to 2021, Martindale won’t last long on the open market.
Ravens fans shocked at Wink Martindale news
John Harbaugh and the Ravens released a statement after Martindale’s firing:
“After several productive conversations, Don and I have agreed to move forward in separate directions,” Harbaugh said. “We have had a great run on defense, and I am very proud of what has been accomplished and the work he has done. Don has been a major contributor to the success of our defense since 2012, and especially since he became defensive coordinator four years ago. He has done a great job. Now it is time to pursue other opportunities. Sometimes the moment comes, and it’s the right time. I am personally grateful for our friendship and for everything he has done in Baltimore.”
The fanbase erupted after Martindale was fired.
There were plenty more, as Ravens fans were in disbelief that the team would blame such issues on a top coordinator like Martindale.
Meanwhile, Greg Roman is still employed.