The Baltimore Ravens announced Friday that they were mutually parting ways with defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale.
Martindale, 58, has been part of coach John Harbaugh’s staff since 2012, when he took over as the Ravens’ linebackers coach. After six seasons in that capacity, Martindale was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2018.
Harbaugh thanked Martindale in a statement released Friday evening.
“After several productive conversations, Don and I have agreed to move forward in separate directions,” Harbaugh’s statement 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.
“Now it is time to pursue other opportunities. Sometimes the moment comes, and it’s the right time.”
In 2021, Martindale’s defense ranked first in the NFL in rushing yards allowed (84.5 per game) but dead last in passing yards allowed (278.9 per game). The Ravens went 8-9 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
Baltimore also ranked second in the league in scoring defense in 2020, third in 2019 and second in 2018 under Martindale.
Sometimes mentioned by national media as a candidate for a head-coaching gig in the NFL, Martindale interviewed for the New York Giants’ job in 2019 before they went with Joe Judge.
