The New York Giants are finalizing a deal to hire Don “Wink” Martindale as the new defensive coordinator, first reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Martindale was considered to be the favorite for the Giants ever since former defensive coordinator Patrick Graham took a job with the Las Vegas Raiders under Josh McDaniels.
With new head coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka both being first-timers, the Giants get some experience on the defensive side of the ball in Martindale.
Giants are finalizing a deal to hire former Ravens’ defensive coordinator Wink Martindale as their new defensive coordinator, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 8, 2022
The #Giants are planning to hire former #Ravens defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale as their new DC, sources say. He was their top outside candidate choice and with Patrick Graham going to the #Raiders, Martindale steps in for NYG.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 8, 2022
Martindale stepped down from his role as Ravens defensive coordinator this offseason after spending four seasons (2018-2021) in that role. He was the Ravens linebackers coach for six seasons before that (2012-2017).
Martindale was also the defensive coordinator (2010) and linebackers coach (2009) for the Denver Broncos. Before that, he got his NFL coaching start with the Oakland Raiders as their linebackers coach (2004-2008).
Martindale brings a lot of experience to a defense that does have some solid foundational pieces, especially when it comes to the pass rush. The combination of Martindale, Daboll and Kafka certainly has some upside if they can get the right pieces playing together.
