Martindale, Giants mutually agree to part ways

The New York Giants and defensive coordinator Don "Wink" Martindale have mutually agreed to part ways, the team announced.

Wednesday's announcement comes after a recent report that Martindale was involved in a heated exchange with head coach Brian Daboll during a meeting Monday, according to the New York Post's Paul Schwartz.

Martindale apparently became upset after the head coach informed him that the Giants were dismissing outside linebackers coach Drew Wilkins and his brother, defensive assistant Kevin Wilkins. The defensive coordinator cursed out Daboll, said his piece, got up, slammed the door, and left the building, reports Schwartz.

Both Wilkins brothers joined the Giants' staff after previously working with Martindale during his tenure with the Baltimore Ravens. Drew and Martindale were reportedly bypassing Daboll's authority, creating their own "fiefdom within the coaching staff, at times bypassing Daboll and believing they had to answer only to each other and, ultimately, ownership," Schwartz reports.

The relationship between Martindale and Daboll had reportedly been described as being "in a bad place" back in November.

General manager Joe Schoen said prior to Monday's incident that the club intends to retain both Martindale and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka. Martindale had one year and $3 million remaining on his contract.

Considered one of the league's more respected defensive play-callers, Martindale has spent the past two seasons with the Giant after serving in the same role with the Ravens (2018-2021) and Denver Broncos (2010).

New York fired offensive line coach Bobby Johnson and special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey following the conclusion of its season.

The Giants' defense surrendered 23.9 points per game (27th in the NFL) and were also in the bottom half of the league in average yards allowed with 361.7. Yet New York's 31 takeaways were tied with the Ravens for the most in the NFL in 2023.