Here’s why Mike Kafka and Wink Martindale staying is so important for the NY Giants

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 18: Defensive coordinator Don "Wink" Martindale of the New York Giants looks on against the Washington Commanders at FedExField on December 18, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 18: Defensive coordinator Don "Wink" Martindale of the New York Giants looks on against the Washington Commanders at FedExField on December 18, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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There’s been plenty of relief for NY Giants fans over the past week. Both offensive coordinator Mike Kafka and defensive coordinator Wink Martindale interviewed for head coaching jobs, but they’re not going anywhere. The Giants surprised so many people by making the postseason in what should have been a rebuilding year, and the coaching staff was a huge reason why.

Brian Daboll won the Coach of the Year, but his staff as a whole proved to be so valuable for him and general manager Joe Schoen.

It would have been a big loss if either of Daboll’s main assistants took head coaching jobs elsewhere, but the Giants dodged that bullet and both indeed will be back in East Rutherford for the 2023 campaign.

Brian Daboll is thrilled all of his NY Giants assistants will be back

The NY Giants offense made vast improvements under the Daboll-Kafka duo this past season. Kafka was the play-caller, and while he infuriated people at times, he also made plenty of wise decisions to really help Daniel Jones do his thing. With Kafka running the offense, we really saw Jones take a step forward.

Assuming Jones returns next season, which is expected, it’s great news for him too that he won’t have to work under yet another new offensive coordinator. For the sake of continuity, having Kafka back is only going to help Jones get better. Now, we must wait and see if the Giants are able to work an extension with him in the near future.

As for Martindale, he has said it’s his dream to be a head coach one day. He interviewed with the Colts and was a finalist for the gig, but they decided to go with Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen instead. This was a bummer for Wink, but you already know he’ll be fired up to help the Big Blue defense improve in 2023 – especially with so many new faces expected to land with the team.

The Giants have plenty of moves to make this offseason, but it’s surely great that they don’t have to do any searches for a new OC or DC. Schoen and Daboll can focus on improving the roster through free agency and the draft instead.