Wink Martindale Parts Ways with Giants After Reportedly Cursing Out Brian Daboll

The New York Giants will be looking for a new defensive coordinator this offseason.

The franchise announced Wednesday that it has mutually agreed to part ways with defensive coordinator Don "Wink" Martindale following a reported incident with head coach Brian Daboll.

Martindale, who had been the team's defensive coordinator since 2022, allegedly "cursed out" Daboll during a meeting on Monday after finding out that the franchise was firing two of his closest defensive assistants, according to ESPN's Jordan Raanan.

The Giants fired outside linebackers coach Drew Wilkins and defensive assistant Kevin Wilkins, both of whom followed Martindale to New York following a stint with the Baltimore Ravens.

Paul Schwartz of the New York Post added that Martindale "said his piece, got up, slammed the door and walked out of the building" and that he had notified people close to him he intended to resign.

The relationship between Martindale and Daboll had been considered on the rocks since Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reported in November that the two were in "in a bad place" and could be on the verge of a split.

"Bad place to the point where I don't see them actually continuing their relationship after this season, maybe not even during this season," Glazer said at the time.

Martindale had one year left on his contract with the Giants worth a reported $3 million.

The Giants' defense was largely disappointing during the 2023 season as it allowed 229.3 passing yards, 132.4 rushing yards and 23.9 points per game. The defensive struggles contributed to the team finishing with a 6-11 record and missing the playoffs for the sixth time in seven seasons.

With the defensive coordinator position now open, it's unclear who the Giants might consider to fill the role entering the 2024 campaign.