It was reported Monday afternoon that Don “Wink” Martindale had resigned from his post as the New York Giants defensive coordinator. Martindale is still under contract with Big Blue for one more season, however, which means a messy, drawn-out breakup could be brewing.
The news of Martindale’s resignation came only hours after Giants head coach Brian Daboll had told reporters that it was his “expectation” and “plan” to have the 60-year-old back in the fold for the 2024 season.
During Daboll’s news conference, it was also announced that the team was firing a host of assistant coaches, including outside linebackers coach Drew Wilkins and his brother, defensive assistant Kevin Wilkins.
The Wilkins brothers had previously worked with Martindale with the Baltimore Ravens and are reportedly “close.”
New York entered the 2023 campaign with high expectations, coming off a surprising playoff berth in 2022 (their first in six years). Starting quarterback Daniel Jones played only six games before suffering a season-ending torn ACL, however, Martindale’s defense finished the year ranked 26th in the NFL in points per game allowed and the G-Men ended the campaign 6-11.
An apparent rocky relationship between Daboll and Martindale also reportedly contributed to the latter’s decision on Monday.
ESPN’s Jordan Raanan wrote on social media that it was a “big part of the divorce.”
Martindale just finished his second season on the sidelines with Daboll, as they were both hired in their respective roles in early 2022. The Giants have a 15-18-1 regular season record over the last two years and a 1-1 mark in the playoffs.
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