New York City, NY – Wink Martindale will be stepping down as the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants. Despite reports of his resignation on Monday, there has been no official announcement from the team, according to Art Stapleton of northjersey.com.
Martindale is currently under contract for one more year, which is likely causing a dispute over the remaining money on the deal. The Giants have the ability to prevent Martindale from interviewing for other defensive coordinator positions as long as he is still officially employed by the team. This gives the team leverage in the situation.
Head coach Brian Daboll expressed his belief on Monday that Martindale would be staying with the Giants. However, negotiations between Martindale’s representation and the team are ongoing, as per Stapleton.
In addition to Martindale, the Giants have already fired two of his colleagues. The team has parted ways with outside linebackers coach Drew Wilkins and defensive assistant Kevin Wilkins, who both joined the Giants when Martindale joined the team in 2022. Drew Wilkins had been with the Baltimore Ravens for over a decade before making the move to the Giants.
The Giants will ultimately be parting ways with Martindale, but the how and when remain uncertain.
In summary, Wink Martindale will not be returning as the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants. There is currently a standoff between Martindale and the team as they negotiate the terms of his departure. The Giants hold the upper hand in the situation, as they have the ability to block any defensive coordinator interviews for Martindale. Additionally, the team has already fired two of Martindale’s colleagues. The details of Martindale’s departure from the team are still unknown.