On Sunday, Fox Sports reported that there was tension between New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll and defensive coordinator Wink Martindale.
Daboll was asked about the situation after the team’s 10-7 victory over the visiting New England Patriots and was also asked if he expected Martindale to be back since the report from Jay Glazer stated that “there could be a mutual parting of the ways (during the season).”
“I’d say the biggest argument that Wink and I have had is who has the last piece of pizza. I got a lot of respect for Wink. He’s done a good job. I’ll leave it at that,” Daboll responded.
The Brian Daboll-Wink Martindale Relationship, Explained
When asked a follow-up question about whether there was truth to the report, Daboll didn’t confirm or deny that there was an issue.
“I got a lot of respect for Wink. He’s a heck of a coach. I’m glad he’s on the staff,” the head coach said.
"When I talk to people inside that organization they're saying the tension between these two, you could feel it." @JayGlazer has more on the tension building between #Giants HC Brian Daboll and DC Wink Martindale ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/vXjJ4KdpYe
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 26, 2023
A league source with ties to the coaching staff told Pro Football Network, when asked for a reaction on the situation Sunday evening, that “Daboll is an in-your-face coach, and he will always challenge them (his assistant coaches), and no one is spared. He’s on them constantly about improvement and wants answers.”
What’s interesting is that amid all of the speculation of issues between the two coaches, after the game, Martindale received a game ball from Daboll.
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