Baltimore Ravens fire defensive coordinator Don 'Wink' Martindale, source says

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens have fired defensive coordinator Don «Wink» Martindale with one year remaining on his contract, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Friday.

This surprising shakeup represents the first move made by the Ravens since they lost six straight games to end the season and failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh issued a statement Friday saying he and Martindale «agreed to move forward in separate directions.»

«We have had a great run on defense, and I am very proud of what has been accomplished and the work he has done,» Harbaugh said in his statement. «Don has been a major contributor to the success of our defense since 2012, and especially since he became defensive coordinator four years ago. He has done a great job. Now it is time to pursue other opportunities.

»Sometimes the moment comes, and it's the right time. I am personally grateful for our friendship and for everything he has done in Baltimore."

Baltimore ranked No. 25 on defense last season, the first time the Ravens had finished out of the top 10 in Martindale's four seasons as defensive coordinator.

Martindale, 58, had been with the Ravens since their 2012 Super Bowl season and was known for his ultra-aggressive style. The Ravens regularly ranked among the highest-blitzing teams.

This season, the Ravens struggled after losing three of their four starters in the secondary — cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters and safety DeShon Elliott — to season-ending injuries. Baltimore had trouble stopping teams late in games, forcing turnovers and stopping big plays in the passing game.

The Ravens led the NFL in giving up 16 completions of 20 or more yards. Baltimore also managed