Giants head coach Brian Daboll told reporters after the conclusion of the team’s 2023 season that he plans to retain defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale for the future. But Martindale apparently had other plans, resigning from his post on Monday.
First reported by New York Daily News and confirmed by CBS Sports Senior NFL Insider Jonathan Jones, Martindale’s exit marks the end of a months-long back-and-forth between the coordinator and head coach. Fox Sports reported earlier this year that there was tension between the two sides, and while both sides have publicly downplayed it, the split suggests a difference in vision.
Martindale’s resignation also comes hours after the Giants reportedly fired two of his defensive assistants, Drew and Kevin Wilkins, who both worked alongside former Ravens DC in Baltimore.
Martindale, 60, could be a sought-after candidate for coordinator and head coach positions. His Giants defense ranked 27th in 2023, but it also tied the Bills for the most takeaways (31) by any team. He previously oversaw three different top-10 finishes as the DC Ravens from 2018-2021 and helped Baltimore win the Super Bowl as linebackers coach.
Here are three potential landing spots:
If “Wink” had truly deteriorated under Daboll’s Giants regime, imagine how eager he would be to line up against Big Blue twice a year. More importantly, Dallas could use a veteran defensive mind if current coordinator Dan Quinn ultimately leaves for his own head coaching job. Martindale’s blitz attack could fit well with playmakers like Micah Parsons and DaRon Bland.
Martindale has ties to owner Mark Davis and the Raiders organization, having started his NFL coaching career with the silver and black in 2004. While Las Vegas likely has its eyes on bigger fish In its head coaching search (see: Jim Harbaugh), “Wink” could make sense as a dramatic hire in DC, whether for interim Antonio Pierce or another leader.
Let’s continue the NFC East theme. There may be no team more destined for a defensive overhaul than the Eagles, who have been an absolute sieve down the stretch, even after abruptly changing defensive signal callers in an unprecedented move. Philadelphia’s highly compensated front is woefully underperforming as a passing unit, so its aggressiveness could be welcome.