The Baltimore Ravens have made defensive coordinator Don Martindale the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the NFL with a new three-year contract, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Media.
Rapoport notes that the Ravens believe Martindale will “be a top head coach candidate next offseason,” which partly explains the big contract. Martindale’s scheme and play calling has been outstanding, which is the other part of this big contract.
Baltimore’s defense ranked fourth in the NFL in total defense last year. The Ravens also ranked third in defensive scoring, allowing just 17.6 points per game. This dominant unit paired well with Lamar Jackson’s explosive offense, making Baltimore the hottest team in the league for most of the regular season.
Martindale, 56, has been with Baltimore since 2012. He was previously a defensive coordinator with the Denver Broncos and has been coaching in the NFL since 2004.