Head Coach Sherrone Moore is on a mission: to strengthen the Michigan Wolverines. He took another step unfulfilling it by hiring defensive mastermind Wink Martindale. The 60-year-old defensive coordinator has the same hilarious mindset and frankness as the head coach. And he demonstrated it by adding fuel to the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry fire.

As Michigan football kicked off its spring training session under Martindale’s leadership, he held his first press conference to discuss the team. While defense dominated the conversation, a hilarious jab at Ryan Day, the Ohio State head coach, stole the show.

Martindale digs Ohio’s Ryan Day at press conference

New defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale is confident enough to make Michigan’s defense stronger. In a recent press conference, Martindale spoke about how he’s adjusting his strategies for college football. As reported by On3, the DC took a playful jab, while speaking on his responsibilities and approach, “I’m not going to tell Ryan Day [Ohio State head coach] or [Texas coach Steve Sarkisian] what we’re gonna do. I have confidence in these players that they’re going to execute at a high level. I am more aggressive than Jesse [but] the proof is in the pudding with Jesse and Mike. If we can get to the quarterback rushing three, we’ll rush three”.

This kind of poke resonates with Head Coach Sherrone Moore, who’s known for his own playful digs at Ohio State’s head coach. With Martindale’s defensive expertise and a touch of friendly rivalry, Michigan’s defense is shaping up to be an exciting unit to watch.

Moore and Michigan take aim this November

Following Jim Harbaugh’s departure, Moore has stepped confidently into the head coach role for the Michigan Wolverines. When questioned about Ohio State’s recent recruiting dominance under Ryan Day, Moore didn’t shy away from the rivalry. “We’ll settle that in November,” he said with confidence. 

Martindale brings more than three decades of experience to Michigan. He also believes in the foundation laid by his former assistants, Mike Macdonald, and Jesse Minter in the defense. Despite the departure of key players like J.J. McCarthy to the NFL draft, a sense of optimism permeates the Michigan camp now because of him.

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Earlier, the Wolverines have secured three consecutive victories over their archrivals, the Ohio State Buckeyes, and they have no intention of letting that streak end. While both Moore and Martindale are vocal leaders, their actions will speak louder than words. Thus we can expect an engaging rivalry game this November. Share with us your thoughts on this in the comments below. 

Read More: Wink Martindale Expresses ‘Proud Parent’ Sentiments Witnessing Jesse Minter and Mike MacDonald’s Success