Reports that Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale had officially resigned from his position turned out to be untrue, but it still doesn't look like there's a future for their relationship.
Martindale's reaction to head coach Brian Daboll's decision to make changes to the coaching staff is a big reason why. The Giants fired outside linebackers coach Drew Wilkins and defensive assistant Kevin Wilkins — both of whom accompanied Martindale in his move from the Ravens to the Giants — and Paul Schwartz of the New York Post reports that Martindale “cursed Daboll, his part said.” , got.” When he heard the news, he got up, slammed the door and left the building.
According to Schwartz, there was a feeling that Martindale and Drew Wilkins were “creating their own fiefdoms within the coaching staff” and overlooking Daboll in defensive decisions. There were also reports of problems in the relationship between Daboll and Martindale as the season progressed. Daboll said Monday he expects Martindale to return in 2024, but that was before the layoffs and the acrimonious meeting.
Martindale was seen at the airport on Tuesday boarding a flight to his home in Florida, which is not standard practice for kickers finishing a season. By resigning, Martindale would lose the $3 million he is due for the 2024 season and the Giants could prevent him from taking other jobs. A release would take those options off the table, but there is no sign at this point that the Giants are willing to go that route.