The coaching carousel throughout the league typically starts the Monday following the conclusion of the regular season. Remarkably, a defensive coordinator who was formerly with the Baltimore Ravens and is currently with the New York Giants appears to be available.

“A top defensive coordinator now available: Sources say the #Giants and DC Don “Wink” Martindale are parting ways,” Ian Rapoport of NFL Networks said on Monday, January 8. Martindale has already conducted interviews for positions at HC, and he may receive additional attention.

Martindale “resigned” from the Giants, as Rapoport subsequently explained. The unexpected move has left both fans and the media perplexed.

“Attempting to spin Wink Martindale’s departure from the #Giants as anything other than a massive loss is beyond silly,” wrote Connor Hughes of SNY in a post. New York had one of the game’s best defensive minds in their building, a true culture changer/setter, and let him out.”

Martindale will be highly sought after in the coaching community for both coordinator and possible head coach roles. At this time, Martindale has approximately forty years of coaching expertise.

Rapoport claims that “he’ll be coveted and won’t be out of work for long.” During a poor season, the Giants’ defense was one of the few bright spots for the squad at times.

Hughes thinks this scenario might have been affected by Martindale’s connection with head coach Brian Daboll. “They [Giants] didn’t need a new DC,” he wrote. They’re covering a gap they made. And since Brian Daboll & Wink were unable to make it work, they must fill it.

The Discharge of Helpers May Have Affected Wink Martindale

Following the Giants’ dismissal of two of Martindale’s most important aides, it’s possible that Martindale saw the writing on the wall.

“Giants outside linebackers coach Drew Wilkins and his brother defensive assistant Kevin Wilkins have been fired, per source,” wrote Charlotte Carroll of the Athletics.

Jordan Raanan of ESPN stated, “This is a big step.” Wink Martindale’s right-hand guy is Drew Wilkins. Drew has worked for Martindale for 12 years, and Kevin for 9 years, starting in 2012.

“Expect Drew and Kevin Wilkins, two top assistants, to join him,” Rapoport claims.

Martindale is likely to take both with him wherever he goes. Few appear surprised by his prompt resignation following the dismissal of two of his senior aides.