ANN ARBOR – Joining Michigan’s coaching staff prior to the 2024 season was a full-circle moment for Pernell McPhee.

When Wink Martindale was the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens from 2018-21, McPhee played for him for three seasons. After retiring from the NFL following the 2021 season, the former outside linebacker began charting a new career path.

McPhee, now 36, was coaching at Pahokee High School in Florida, his alma mater, when he received a call from Martindale. The 62-year-old Martindale had just been hired as Michigan’s defensive coordinator in February 2024 and wanted McPhee to join him in Ann Arbor.

“That was an exciting moment,” McPhee said Wednesday, noting he was reading the bible when Martindale called. “That was like, ‘This definitely is my stepping stone to

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