New York Giants hire Don “Wink” Martindale adding experience to Brian Daboll’s staff

The New York Giants hired former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, adding an experienced veteran coach to Brian Daboll’s staff

The New York Giants are expected to hire Don “Wink” Martindale as defensive coordinator, landing rookie head coach Brian Daboll’s top choice for the job to replace Patrick Graham.

Martindale, 58, arrives in East Rutherford with a wealth of experience, having won a Super Bowl in his prior experience as John Harbaugh’s defensive coordinator with the Baltimore Ravens, where he served in that role from 2018 through 2021 after serving five years as linebackers coach.

Arriving in East Rutherford, not only will Martindale be a trusted veteran voice on Daboll’s staff, but he’ll also be charged with turning around a defense that at times has exceeded expectations the past two seasons and let teams off the hook at others.

Last season, the Giants‘ defense finished 21st in the NFL, allowing 354.8 yards per game. Meanwhile, Martindale’s Ravens had an uncharacteristically down here, calling just over 363 yards per game.

But, from 2018-2020, the Ravens’ defense was among the top five in the NFL and a model of consistency across the league.

Martindale’s aggressive, blitz-heavy scheme will be an interesting fit with the Giants’ defensive personnel that lacks a consistent double-digit sack threat and previously relied on generating pressure on the quarterback from its defensive linemen.

Perhaps Martindale will lead to breakout seasons from young edge rushers like Azeez Ojulari and Quincy Roche, who showed promise in 2021.

Martindale was fired by the Ravens earlier this month, interviewed virtually as well as in person with the Giants prior to his hiring Tuesday.

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