Don Martindale
The Denver Broncos promoted Don “Wink” Martindale to defensive coordinator on Thursday.
Martindale inherits the defense from Mike Nolan and now becomes the team’s fifth d-coordinator in as many seasons. Nolan recently left the team to join the Miami Dolphins in the same role.
Last season the Broncos defense was ranked 12th overall, a vast improvement over their 30th place ranking in 2008.
“Wink definitely deserves this,” Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said, per the Denver Post. “He’s earned this opportunity. Our system won’t change, our philosophy won’t change. He’s a very aggressive coach. This is a great day for the Denver Broncos.”
He also seems to have the endorsement of the players.
“I very much can see him as a defensive coordinator,” Broncos safety Brian Dawkins said. “A lot of what they asked me to do this year as a true strong safety, the film study I went through at that position, a lot of that came from him.”