The Baltimore Ravens opted to part ways with defensive coordinator โWinkโ Martindale, a decision that left fans shocked considering his notoriety around the league.
The Ravens defense struggled this season โ thereโs no getting around that. Perhaps it was scheme fit, or injuries, but Baltimoreโs normally-stout unit was unrecognizable by the end of the season. The Ravensโ entire secondary, seemingly, was out for a majority of the season. Thatโs not on Wink Martindale.
Change was coming, and it came in the form of Martindale, whose departure sent shockwaves around the fanbase.
Considering the Ravens led the league in fewest points and yards allowed the three seasons prior to 2021, Martindale wonโt last long on the open market.
Ravens fans shocked at Wink Martindale news
John Harbaugh and the Ravens released a statement after Martindaleโs firing:
"โAfter several productive conversations, Don and I have agreed to move forward in separate directions,โ Harbaugh said. โWe have had a great run on defense, and I am very proud of what has been accomplished and the work he has done. 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 itโs the right time. I am personally grateful for our friendship and for everything he has done in Baltimore.โ"
The fanbase erupted after Martindale was fired.
YโALL FIRED WINK BEFORE YOU FIRED GREG ROMAN YโALL ARE UN-FUCKING-SERIOUS https://t.co/T6zyiI3TYW
โ ๐ธ๐ (@_Sap0) January 21, 2022
Best wishes Wink, thanks for everything ๐๐ค pic.twitter.com/ApKeB88BTm
โ RAMEY (@HoodieRamey) January 21, 2022
Wink Martindale was fired before Greg Roman? HUHHHH? pic.twitter.com/rGtPQtS8Xy
โ The Ravens Realm (@RealmRavens) January 21, 2022
Ravens fans after seeing the ravens fire Wink instead of Greg Roman: pic.twitter.com/lpV1NCKPYi
โ ๐๐ช๐ฃ๐ฉ๐ฎโ๐จ (@Hunt2toxic) January 21, 2022
Am I totally against Wink getting fired? No.
โ The Ravens Realm (@RealmRavens) January 21, 2022
Did I think Wink would get fired before Roman? Absolutely not.#RavensFlock
Joe Burrow is so petty that he went and got Wink Martindale fired
โ Willie Lutz (@willie_lutz) January 21, 2022
Canโt believe the Ravens fired Wink Martindale. Thereโs gotta be a story behind this. Dudeโs a helluva defensive coordinator.
โ Roberto Shenanigans (@Rob_Shenanigans) January 21, 2022
The conversations at the Ravens front office about Wink Martindale.#RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/94ZPhb7I71
โ Zach Jones (@NotZachJones) January 21, 2022
There were plenty more, as Ravens fans were in disbelief that the team would blame such issues on a top coordinator like Martindale.
Meanwhile, Greg Roman is still employed.