The New York Giants and Wink Martindale blinked at the same time.
After several days of a staring contest over who would bite the bullet first, the G-men and defensive coordinator have parted ways, the team announced Wednesday.
There were reports early in the 2023 season that Martindale and head coach Brian Daboll were on bad terms, but neither team revealed much about it. Daboll took those reports to heart and gave Martindale the game ball after the win over the New England Patriots.
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New York Giants defensive coordinator Don Martindale reacts during the third quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills on October 15, 2023 at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. (Brian Bennett/Getty Images)
However, things came to a head when Daboll fired a member of his coaching staff who was close to Martindale.
The Giants' defense has been the only bright spot this season, so it makes no sense for Daboll to fire Martindale. But while all signs pointed to Martindale wanting to leave, Martindale was still stripped of his salary and the Giants could also prevent him from coaching elsewhere in 2024. It should have been.
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll with New York Giants head coach during the second quarter of the National Football League game between the New York Jets and New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on August 28, 2022. New York Giants defensive coordinator Don Martindale. (Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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According to a report from ESPN, the two sides parted ways after reaching a compromise in which the Giants would keep the $3 million Martindale would have earned and Martindale would be able to find work this season.
According to the New York Post, Martindale berated Daboll during a meeting this week and left for Florida, ignoring messages from Giants higher-ups.
Martindale is the second coordinator to leave the team in the young offseason. Special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey has been fired.
Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka is also interviewing for the Tennessee Titans' open head coaching position, and other rumors indicate he also wants to leave Big Blue.
New York Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale plays against the Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium on December 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Packers 24-22. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
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Ironically, it's very likely that Martindale will stay in the division, as there are defensive coordinator jobs available in Dallas, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.
New York went 6-11 and had the No. 6 pick in the NFL Draft.
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