The Baltimore Ravens are parting ways with defensive coordinator Don Martindale, moving on from one of the most respected defensive minds in the NFL.
Martindale joined Baltimore in 2012, serving as its linebackers coach (2012-’17). He was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2018, becoming the play-caller for one of the best NFL defenses during his tenure with the Ravens.
But following a disappointing season, head coach John Harbaugh announced Friday that Martindale and the Ravens agreed to part ways.
As ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes, Martindale instantly becomes one of the most coveted assistants coaches on the open market. He will receive inquiries from head coaches across the league, all interested in hiring the 58-year-old as defensive coordinator.
- Baltimore Ravens defense stats (2021): 278/9 pass ypg allowed (32nd in NFL), 23.1 ppg allowed (19th in NFL), 15 takeaways (30th in NFL)
Baltimore’s defense struggled in 2021, finishing near the bottom of the NFL in key categories. But the Ravens dealt with injuries all year, playing without Marcus Peters the entire season and losing All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey later in the year.
One thing to keep in mind, Martindale worked on Josh McDaniels coaching staff with the Denver Broncos as linebackers coach and defensive coordinator. If an NFL team hires McDaniels as head coach, Martindale will follow. Even if he doesn’t, like Vic Fangio, he won’t be out of work for long.