Mike Kafka’s candidacy for the New Orleans Saints head coaching job just got a lot more intriguing—and maybe a little chaotic. After wrapping up his second in-person interview with the Saints, it’s become clear that Kafka, the New York Giants’ offensive coordinator, isn’t just pitching his offensive credentials.
He’s reportedly eyeing a reunion with former Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, a name that brings as much controversy as experience to the conversation.
According to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, if Kafka lands the Saints job, he’s expected to bring Martindale with him as defensive coordinator. It’s a move that would pair Kafka’s QB development chops with Martindale’s aggressive defensive schemes. On paper, it sounds pretty good, nostalgic, even. But for anyone who’s followed the Giants over the past two seasons, this potential partnership feels a bit like, "Woah."
Does Wink Martindale help Mike Kafka's HC candidacy?
Kafka’s appeal to the Saints is clear. After all, he’s built his reputation as a quarterback guru, working under Andy Reid in Kansas City and helping Patrick Mahomes become the most frustrating player to gameplan against since Tom Brady.
Heck, even in New York, Kafka showed flashes of brilliance in 2022, guiding Daniel Jones to his best season and helping the Giants win their first playoff game in years. For a Saints team in desperate need of offensive innovation and quarterback stability, Kafka represents a fresh, creative approach.
But here’s the twist: Kafka reportedly wants to reunite with Martindale, who left the Giants after a disastrous fallout with head coach Brian Daboll. While Martindale is respected for his aggressive defensive schemes, his exit from New York was messy. Public disputes with Daboll and questions about his fit with the Giants’ culture left a cloud over his departure. Bringing Martindale into the fold could signal a clean slate—or open the door to more drama in New Orleans.
The idea of Kafka and Martindale teaming up in New Orleans is a bold one. Kafka’s ability to develop quarterbacks could be invaluable for the Saints as they navigate a murky future under center.
Derek Carr’s massive contract looms large, and questions remain about whether the team will develop second-year QB Spencer Rattler or explore other options. Adding Kafka’s offensive mind to the mix makes sense, but tying his future to Martindale’s controversial past is a gamble.
This potential package deal represents a high-risk, high-reward scenario. If Kafka and Martindale can recreate their initial success from 2022, New Orleans could finally turn the page on whatever's been happening the past couple of seasons. But if the Saints’ locker room can’t handle the baggage Martindale brings—or if Kafka’s inexperience as a head coach is exposed—the team could find itself in an even deeper hole.
Whether this rumored reunion happens or not, one thing's for sure—the Saints’ coaching search is anything but boring. As Kafka gets closer to landing the job, the potential of teaming up with Martindale adds an extra layer of intrigue.
It’s got a little bit of everything: potential, risk, and no shortage of juicy storylines.