It's official: Wink Martindale is no longer with the New York Giants.
After several days of speculation, the franchise announced Wednesday afternoon that they and their defensive coordinator have “mutually agreed to part ways.”
Martindale was expected to step down after two seasons with the Giants, two people with knowledge of the situation confirmed to NorthJersey.com earlier this week.
The formal announcement comes amid reports of a rocky relationship between Martindale and Giants head coach Brian Daboll. The sides agreed to a compromise to expedite Martindale's departure, which would result in a divorce between the 60-year-old coordinator and the team.
Had Martindale quit, the Giants wouldn't have paid him a cent and he wouldn't be able to coach elsewhere in 2024. Had the Giants fired him, he would have received his full $3 million salary for 2024 and would have been free to coach anywhere.
Now, under the agreement, Martindale is free to coach wherever he wants when the opportunity arises, while the Giants will not pay him the $3 million he was owed for the upcoming season, a person with knowledge confirmed of the situation to NorthJersey.com on Wednesday afternoon.
The Giants ranked 27th in total defense and 26th in points allowed per game last season at 23.9.
They will now begin the search for a new defensive coordinator. Here are some candidates they may consider.