Report: Martindale resigning as Giants DC

Don "Wink" Martindale is resigning as the New York Giants' defensive coordinator after two seasons, a source told Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News.

One of the league's most respected defensive minds, Martindale will reportedly pursue other opportunities this offseason and is expected to generate significant interest. The 60-year-old has had multiple head coaching interviews in the past.

The Giants' defense struggled for most of the 2023 campaign. Though the team led the league in takeaways, its defensive unit ranked only 22nd in EPA/per allowed and 26th in points surrendered, down from 17th in 2022.

No other club blitzed opposing passers more than the Giants under Martindale, who's known for having an aggressive defensive scheme. However, New York ranked only 29th with 34 sacks in 2023.

Martindale joined the Giants in 2022 after serving as the Baltimore Ravens' defensive coordinator for four seasons.

A November report indicated that the relationship between Martindale and head coach Brian Daboll was deteriorating. New York beat the Philadelphia Eagles in its season finale to finish the campaign with a 6-11 record.

The Giants are expected to retain Daboll - the 2022 NFL Coach of the Year - in 2024. However, they parted ways with multiple assistants Monday, including outside linebackers coach Drew Wilkins and defensive assistant Kevin Wilkins. The Wilkins brothers are expected to follow Martindale in the upcoming season, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.