A long-time Raiders assistant will now be running Denver’s defense.
The Broncos announced Thursday that Don “Wink” Martindale will be promoted from linebackers coach to defensive coordinator. Yep, they call him Wink too.
“Wink definitely deserves this,” Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said. “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.”
There were reports that former coordinator Mike Nolan and Josh McDaniels butted heads personally and strategically. The team will maintain its 3-4 defense.
Martindale coached the Raiders linebackers for five seasons before joining McDaniels on his first staff in Denver. He appeared to be an underdog for the coordinator position, but former Patriots coordinator Dean Pees wound up taking a job with the Ravens.