Giants Defensive Coordinator Wink Martindale Hasn’t Handed in Resignation: Report

It was widely reported Monday the New York Giants had lost another staffer, with Don "Wink" Martindale resigning, per multiple reports.

However, Giants beat writer Art Stapleton has reported Tuesday that it is in fact not the case.

"Wink has not officially handed in his resignation to the Giants," Stapleton wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

The Giants, despite a 27-10 win over the Phildelphia Eagles to end the season, missed the playoffs with a 6-11 record.

Giants head coach Brian Daboll said Monday morning that his "expectation" was for Martindale to return next season.

New York Post's Paul Schwartz reported Monday Daboll fired two defensive assistants who Martindale trusted, leading to the 60-year-old defensive coordinator parting ways with the team.

The Giants did not have a great year on defense this season, with middle-of-the-pack stats for passing and rushing, as well as fumbles and interceptions. Per Fox Sports, the Giants were 27th overall on defense, but were 19th in passing defense and ninth on third down defense.

Earlier this season, there were rumors of a feud between Daboll and Martindale, which Daboll quickly dismissed. "The biggest argument that Wink and I have is over who has the last slice of pizza," Daboll said.

A coach since 1986, Martindale started coaching in the NFL in 2004, as a linebackers coach for the Oakland Raiders. Martindale joined the Giants as defensive coordinator in 2022, helping the team to its first playoffs since 2016, and first successful playoff run since the team won the Super Bowl in 2011.

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Martindale has interviewed for head coach jobs before, and could be considered for a front-line position.