Defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale is leaving the Baltimore Ravens.On the surface, it may look like a surprise. But look a little closer and you start to see why the Ravens parted ways with Martindale. After 11 games, the Ravens had the top seed in the AFC before finishing out of the playoffs with a six-game losing streak to close the season.The Ravens announced the move late Friday afternoon. Head coach John Harbaugh released a statement, saying: “After several productive conversations, Don and I have agreed to move forward in separate directions. 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.”Injuries plagued Ravens, productivity plummetsThe Ravens did suffer multiple injuries on defense this past season, especially in the secondary, losing three of four starters — and that clearly had an impact.But injuries also decimated the offense, leaving the team without its starting quarterback, backfield, blocking tight end and left tackle. The Ravens needed the defense to shut the door and win games. Instead, the Ravens failed to hold fourth quarter leads in five of their final six games.But the most conspicuous impact of the defense was the plummet in productivity. During Martindale’s first three seasons as defensive coordinator, the Ravens ranked first, fourth and seventh overall. This season, the Ravens dropped to the 25th ranked defense in the NFL — the lowest ranking since 1996, the franchise’s first year — and lagged dramatically in sacks and turnovers.The defense finished dead last in pass defense and third from last in turnovers. Next man up?To look at where the Ravens will go with the position, it’s important to understand how the organization has always approached the hiring of its defensive coordinators, who have all been previous assistants on the defensive staff.After Marvin Lewis left, Ravens assistant Mike Nolan took over. When Nolan left to become a head coach, defensive line coach Rex Ryan became coordinator. When Ryan left to become a head coach, defensive line coach Greg Mattison took over. When he left, secondary coach Chuck Pagano became coordinator. When Pagano got a head coaching job, linebackers coach Dean Pees was elevated. When he retired, Martindale, then linebackers coach, became coordinator.That’s not random. That’s a philosophy and a consistent approach.There are only two coaches on the current staff who would likely get consideration: Defensive line coach Anthony Weaver, who has one year of coordinator experience in Houston, and secondary coach coordinator, Chris Hewitt — but with the pass defense ranked dead last, that won’t play in his favor.There are also three former assistants almost certainly on the radar. Mike McDonald, former Ravens linebackers coach who left last year to become Michigan’s defensive coordinator would be a leading contender.Former Ravens defensive line coach Joe Cullen, who left last year to become Jacksonville’s defensive coordinator, could be another leading contender.And former defensive assistant Vic Fangio, recently fired as Broncos head coach, could be a contender.Again, look at the history; The Ravens have never hired a former head coach as their defensive coordinator.
Defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale is leaving the Baltimore Ravens.
On the surface, it may look like a surprise. But look a little closer and you start to see why the Ravens parted ways with Martindale. After 11 games, the Ravens had the top seed in the AFC before finishing out of the playoffs with a six-game losing streak to close the season.
The Ravens announced the move late Friday afternoon. Head coach John Harbaugh released a statement, saying: “After several productive conversations, Don and I have agreed to move forward in separate directions. 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.”
Injuries plagued Ravens, productivity plummets
The Ravens did suffer multiple injuries on defense this past season, especially in the secondary, losing three of four starters — and that clearly had an impact.
But injuries also decimated the offense, leaving the team without its starting quarterback, backfield, blocking tight end and left tackle. The Ravens needed the defense to shut the door and win games. Instead, the Ravens failed to hold fourth quarter leads in five of their final six games.
But the most conspicuous impact of the defense was the plummet in productivity. During Martindale’s first three seasons as defensive coordinator, the Ravens ranked first, fourth and seventh overall. This season, the Ravens dropped to the 25th ranked defense in the NFL — the lowest ranking since 1996, the franchise’s first year — and lagged dramatically in sacks and turnovers.
The defense finished dead last in pass defense and third from last in turnovers.
Next man up?
To look at where the Ravens will go with the position, it’s important to understand how the organization has always approached the hiring of its defensive coordinators, who have all been previous assistants on the defensive staff.
After Marvin Lewis left, Ravens assistant Mike Nolan took over. When Nolan left to become a head coach, defensive line coach Rex Ryan became coordinator. When Ryan left to become a head coach, defensive line coach Greg Mattison took over. When he left, secondary coach Chuck Pagano became coordinator. When Pagano got a head coaching job, linebackers coach Dean Pees was elevated. When he retired, Martindale, then linebackers coach, became coordinator.
That’s not random. That’s a philosophy and a consistent approach.
There are only two coaches on the current staff who would likely get consideration: Defensive line coach Anthony Weaver, who has one year of coordinator experience in Houston, and secondary coach coordinator, Chris Hewitt — but with the pass defense ranked dead last, that won’t play in his favor.
There are also three former assistants almost certainly on the radar. Mike McDonald, former Ravens linebackers coach who left last year to become Michigan’s defensive coordinator would be a leading contender.
Former Ravens defensive line coach Joe Cullen, who left last year to become Jacksonville’s defensive coordinator, could be another leading contender.
And former defensive assistant Vic Fangio, recently fired as Broncos head coach, could be a contender.
Again, look at the history; The Ravens have never hired a former head coach as their defensive coordinator.
