According to an ESPN source, Wink Martindale is poised to step down from his position as the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants. The decision appears to be rooted in Martindale’s strained relationship with head coach Brian Daboll, characterized as tumultuous during the season and showing little improvement as it progressed, as per another source close to the matter.
In a recent shake-up, the Giants have also let go of special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey, as well as outside linebackers coach Drew Wilkins and his brother Kevin Wilkins. The Wilkins brothers, who were key figures in Martindale’s coaching staff since joining him from Baltimore, were dismissed in anticipation of Martindale not returning for a third season with the Giants.
Despite the Giants’ defense ranking 27th overall this past season, it notably shared the NFL lead with 31 takeaways, making it the team’s standout unit during a disappointing 6-11 season.
Earlier on Monday, Daboll expressed his expectation that Martindale and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka would continue with the team, given their existing contracts for another year. However, this was stated before Daboll had a chance to confer with his remaining coordinators.
Martindale, who previously emphasized viewing the Giants as a long-term destination rather than a stepping-stone, ultimately found his relationship with Daboll untenable, leading to his decision to step away from the team. At 60 years old, Martindale is anticipated to attract considerable interest as a coordinator during the upcoming hiring cycle, having been a head-coaching candidate in recent years.
The Giants, having recently received praise from their last two opponents—the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams—regarding Martindale’s defensive schemes, will now be in the market for replacements for at least two coordinators.
Martindale carefully chose his words last week when discussing his future, stating that he believes the future looks bright for him, but details about his plans would be discussed after the season.
On Monday, Martindale formalized his resignation, leaving the Giants in search of replacements for key coaching positions. Additionally, the team is facing other coaching changes, including running back coach Jeff Nixon taking on the role of offensive coordinator at Syracuse and strength and conditioning coach Craig Fitzgerald being appointed as the director of football performance at Florida.
