Veteran defensive coordinator Don 'Wink' Martindale resigns from New York Giants

A veteran defensive coordinator is on the market, as Don “Wink” Martindale has resigned from his post with the New York Giants.

Since FOX’s Jay Glazer floated the idea that Martindale and Giants head coach Brian Daboll weren’t getting along midway through the NFL season, it’s been a possibility that the defensive coordinator wouldn’t return.

Well, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport was one of the many sources to deliver the news on Monday, making it official that Martindale wouldn’t be back in the Big Apple.

“A top defensive coordinator now available: Sources say the #Giants and DC Don ‘Wink’ Martindale are parting ways,” Rapoport posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Martindale interviewed for HC jobs in the past, and he could get more looks, as well.

“Don “Wink” Martindale has resigned, to be more specific. He’ll be coveted and won’t be out of work for long. Expect Drew and Kevin Wilkins, two top assistants, to join him.”

Alas, an interesting wrinkle in the situation is the fact that Daboll spoke with the media on Monday morning just before 9:00 a.m. ET, where he revealed that he “expected” Martindale to return to the team for what would be his third season.

Many theorized this was Daboll putting the ball in Martindale’s court. He wasn’t firing him, so it’d technically be up to Martindale, even if there were minimal odds he would return.

Then, the Giants decided to let go of two of Martindale’s top assistants in Drew and Kevin Wilkins, who followed him from the Baltimore Ravens to New York. That’s when the writing was on the wall, and a couple hours later, Martindale was packing up his office.

Throughout his time with the Giants, Martindale became a beloved figure from fans, even though 2023 left some to be desired. While players like star pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux blossomed early on, there were too many games where he was invisible.

Still, it’s going to be a hot topic of conversation for Daboll and the Giants moving forward, and many eyes will be on how they pivot after moving on from Martindale. The former defensive coordinator will land on his feet somewhere, but New York must find a suitable replacement.

Perhaps they’ll look towards former Buffalo Bills assistant Leslie Frazier, or bring back Giants legend Antonio Pierce for the gig if he isn’t promoted to full-time head coach by the Las Vegas Raiders.

Regardless, a fascinating off-season was just given another interesting topic of conversation in New York, and it’s going to be paramount for the Giants to right the ship defensively.