Michigan's DC Gets Contract Worth More Than Many Head Coaches

Michigan is paying defensive coordinator Don "Wink" Martindale an incredibly rich deal.

Michigan named Martindale the team's new DC after he left the Giants following this past NFL season, and if you want an NFL caliber assistant, he's going to be paid big money. Not only is Martindale getting paid, but he's getting paid like a head coach.

Austin Meek reported Martindale's deal is for three years with a base salary of $2.3 million in 2024 and it increases to $2.5 million in 2025 and $2.7 million in 2026.

It's higher than any assistant coach was paid in 2023 by nearly $300,000.

Michigan DC Don "Wink" Martindale lands hefty contract.

Just how much money is Martindale's 2024 salary of $2.3 million? It would have ranked 66 out of 119 in America for head coaches last year for publicly available salaries, according to USA Today.

Without knowing what some of the private schools are paying, Martindale is making more money than roughly half the head coaches in America.

He's a B1G coordinator being paid like a G5 head coach. Not a bad deal at all for someone who simply has to control one side of the ball.

Michigan gives Don Martindale a massive contract. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

What does the contract signify for the Wolverines?

Bringing in the highest paid assistant coach in America also shows the Wolverines don't intend on slowing down in the post-Jim Harbaugh era.

Michigan is fresh off winning a national championship, Sherrone Moore was elevated to head coach on a cheap deal that starts with a $5.5 million salary and the team is paying a premium for a season vet at defensive coordinator. 

You keep your foot on the gas when you're rolling, and Michigan is showing it's financially committed to doing exactly that.

Will Sherrone Moore be a successful head coach at Michigan. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)

Now, can Michigan still win at a high level without Harbaugh calling the shots? Time will tell, but a lack of resources most certainly isn't a concern. Let me know your thoughts on the future of Michigan football at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.