New York Giants defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale has resigned from his role with the franchise, Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reported Monday afternoon.
The report comes a day after the Giants’ 27–10 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 18 to finish the season with a 6-11 record.
In Martindale’s first season with the franchise in 2022, the Giants improved to 17th in the NFL in scoring defense, up from from 23rd in ’21. This season, New York ended the season 27th in total defense (361.7 yards per game), 19th in pass defense (229.3 yards per game), 29th in rushing defense (132.4 yards per game) and 26th in scoring defense (23.9 points per game).
Prior to Martindale’s decision to resign, tension reportedly was building between the 60-year-old and Giants coach Brian Daboll late in the season. In November, Fox Sports insider Jay Glazer reported that Martindale and Daboll were in a “bad place.” Glazer said he did not see the duo “continuing their relationship” and that it could be a “mutual parting of ways” by the end of the ’23 season.
Before his stint with the Giants, Martindale was the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens from ’18 to ’21.
