FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – The Atlanta Falcons have initiated their search for a new defensive coordinator by conducting a virtual interview with Wink Martindale, the defensive coordinator from Michigan. This comes on the heels of the dismissal of Jimmy Lake, who was let go following the team’s disappointing 8-9 season.

On Tuesday, the Falcons announced Martindale’s interview. At 61 years old, Martindale has an extensive coaching background, having spent two decades in the NFL before joining Michigan’s coaching staff in 2024.

The Falcons’ decision to part ways with Lake was made in tandem with the firing of defensive line coach Jay Rodgers this past Saturday. Martindale marks the first known candidate to be considered for the vacant defensive coordinator position.

Before his time at Michigan, Martindale held the role of defensive coordinator for the New York Giants from 2022 to 2023. He has also been a defensive coordinator for both the Denver Broncos and the Baltimore Ravens. His tenure with the Ravens spanned nearly a decade, from 2012 to 2021, and he has coaching experience with the Raiders as well.

In the recent season, the Falcons’ defense struggled, ranking 23rd in the league in total defense and allowing an average of 24.9 points per game. The team has been unable to secure a playoff berth for the seventh straight year, contributing to the urgency of finding a new defensive leader.