analyThe New York Giants are going to need a new defensive coordinator. Don “Wink” Martindale, Big Blue’s defensive play-caller for the past two seasons, is planning to resign after getting into an argument with head coach Brian Daboll about Martindale’s defensive staff, according to Paul Schwartz of the New York Post.
That blowup occurred on Monday. As of Wednesday, Martindale has still not officially given up his post. What’s going on with the Giants’ defensive coordinator?
Editor’s note: The Giants officially parted ways with Martindale on Wednesday afternoon.
Giants DC Wink Martindale Intends to Resign
On Monday, Daboll informed Martindale that he planned to fire a pair of the DC’s closest assistants — brothers Drew and Kevin Wilkins — after the Giants’ disappointing 2023 campaign.
Angered by the news, Martindale cursed out Daboll, slammed the door, and left New York’s facilities, per Schwartz, who adds Martindale has told those close to him that he plans to resign. Martindale was spotted on a flight to Sarasota, Florida, on Tuesday.
Drew Wilkins, New York’s outside linebackers coach, worked under Martindale during their time with the Baltimore Ravens and was viewed as Martindale’s No. 2 on the Giants’ defensive staff.
However, Daboll believed Martindale and Wilkins had “created their own fiefdom within the coaching staff” and were operating outside Daboll’s vision.
Martindale has still not officially resigned as of Wednesday morning. The Giants have not initiated a search for a new defensive play-caller and don’t intend to until Martindale gives his notice, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, who notes New York still wants Martindale to be its DC.
But this may turn into a waiting game. Martindale, who inked a three-year deal with the Giants before the 2022 season, is due $3 million for 2024. He’d forfeit that money were he to resign.
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To that end, The Athletic’s Dan Duggan — who indicated “Wink doesn’t want the Giants, the Giants don’t want Wink” — suggested the two sides will eventually agree to a deal allowing Martindale to depart. New York has worked with Martindale’s agent, Jimmy Sexton, in the past, which could enable the parties to devise an amicable solution, per Duggan.
Martindale and Daboll had never worked together when they decided to forge a working relationship before the 2022 season, and the duo’s potential disconnect became evident during the 2023 campaign.
In Week 10, Martindale and Daboll had a heated sideline exchange during the Giants’ blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Later that month, FOX’s Jay Glazer reported apparent tension between the two men, indicating Martindale and Daboll’s relationship was in a “bad place.”
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