The Baltimore Ravens have parted ways with Don ‘Wink’ Martindale with one year left in his contract. The team on Friday said that the defensive coordinator, who served for four seasons, will not return for a fifth.

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In a statement, Ravens coach John Harbaugh described Martindale as a ‘major contributor to the success of our defense since 2012’. He said that the two parties have ‘agreed to move forward in separate directions’. 

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“We 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,” Harbaugh said in his statement.

“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.”

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For three seasons, from 2018 to 2020, the Ravens defense was ranked in the top 10 in efficiency each year under Martindale, according to Football Outsiders. However, this year, battling injuries, they finished 28th overall in DVOA. 

Baltimore Ravens (8-9, as per ESPN stats, became the first team in 19 seasons to go from being No 1 seed in the conference to failing to make the playoffs. They were 25th in the league in points and yards allowed this season.