The University of Michigan’s defense just got a major boost with veteran coach Don “Wink” Martindale. Martindale brings decades of NFL experience to replace Jesse Minter, who left to join former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh with the Chargers. But he isn’t just about proven schemes. The 60-year-old shows a surprising talent for adapting to the younger environment at Michigan.

Martindale recently made a splash on social media with his first tweet. His first message seems aimed at both fans and Sherrone Moore‘s team, with a focus on building champions. In a way, this smart move shows Martindale understands how to connect with younger athletes. This shows he’s not the typical “old grandpa” coach he said he was. 

Wink Martindale sparks online frenzy with intriguing note

Defensive Coordinator Wink Martindale is wasting no time making his presence felt online. His grand debut on the social media platform [formerly Twitter] sent waves of excitement through the Wolverines’ fanbase. Martindale’s first cryptic post simply read — “Should have never given me a twitter #BuckleUp. Those who retweet will be Champions.”  This intriguing message, along with the hashtag BuckleUp, quickly captured the attention of Michigan fans. Within minutes, thousands of followers flocked to Martindale’s account, and the tweet garnered millions of views.

As expected, the Wolverines faithful responded with enthusiasm, retweeting the post and adding their own “#GoBlue” comments. Many fans believe the message was a friendly poke at Sherrone Moore & Co., who are working hard to build a championship team in Michigan. Now it looks like Martindale is also laying the groundwork for building a winning culture at Michigan. 

Wolverines are ready to buckle up with Martindale

While some might consider Wink Martindale a new addition to Michigan’s defense, he’s more like the returning mastermind. Former coordinators Mike Macdonald and Jesse Minter learned under Martindale, and the successful scheme they brought to Ann Arbor was essentially his brainchild.  So, while there won’t be a complete overhaul of the system for the upcoming season, Martindale’s influence will undoubtedly be felt. He’ll add his own unique touches and perspective, building the team alongside new head coach Sherrone Moore.

Read More: 3 Reasons Why Wink Martindale’s Hiring as Michigan’s DC Is a Masterstroke From Sherrone Moore & Co.

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Harbaugh’s departure left some questioning Michigan’s championship hopes. But the Martindale-Moore duo offers a promising path forward. Martindale has already been impressed by the football intelligence of returning players, and he’s open to learning from them as well. In a way, his splashy Twitter debut hints at a fresh approach to building champions. It might be the one that combines his experience with the talent and knowledge of the current Wolverines. Let us know your thoughts on this in the comments below. 

Read More: DC Wink Martindale Channels Sherrone Moore’s Mentality With Hilarious Ryan Day Dig to Kick Off Michigan’s Spring Practice