Seahawks Coach Mike Macdonald Trash Talked by Michigan's Wink Martindale for One Surprising Reason

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated Mar 18, 2025 12:01 AM ET

The Michigan Wolverines' defense is expected to be one of the best in the Big Ten this fall with players returning across the board from the defensive line to the linebackers, cornerbacks and safeties.

Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale opted to return to Ann Arbor after NFL interest, and is expected to enter the season with a reputation for being one of the best assistant coaches in the country after a dominant 13-10 win over the Ohio State Buckeyes last season in Columbus, Ohio.

On Monday, Martindale revealed his preliminary thoughts on the Wolverines' defense heading into the season, revealing how he teased former Michigan defensive coordinator and current Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald in a hilarious way.

"Do I tease (former Wolverines defensive coordinators) Jesse Minter and Mike Macdonald that I held Ohio State to 10 points and they didn't? Of course I do," Martindale said at a press conference.

Michigan has won four straight against the Buckeyes, giving up 27, 23, 24 and 10 points in the last four years against coach Ryan Day's team.

“Do I tease Jesse Minter and Mike Macdonald that I held Ohio State to 10 points and they didn’t? Of course I do.” — Wink Martindale pic.twitter.com/T26W6QJFZQ
— Anthony Broome (@anthonytbroome) March 17, 2025

Martindale predicted a big season for defensive end Derrick Moore in 2025 while predicting that linebacker Jaishawn Barham may see more time as an edge rusher with Josaiah Stewart headed for the NFL and Michigan in need of production from new faces at the position.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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