In surprising fashion, Wink Martindale remains unemployed after doing some really good things with the NY Giants this past year and during his past two seasons with the team. Earlier this offseason, Martindale interviewed with the Jacksonville Jaguars for their open defensive coordinator job, but they decided to hire Ryan Nielsen instead.
According to Packers beat reporter Tom Silverstein, Martindale also met with Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur to see if a move to Lambeau Field could be in the cards. Similar to what happened with the Jaguars, Martindale didn't land the Green Bay job, as the NFC North side hired Boston College's Jeff Hafley instead.
Among the coaches that Matt LaFleur spoke with about the #Packers DC job that has not been reported (that I've seen) is former #Giants DC Wink Martindale. Source wasn't sure when it took place, but it did.
— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) February 1, 2024
Wink Martindale reportedly interviewed with the Packers but didn't get the DC job
So, what's next for Martindale? An opportunity being discussed could be the Dallas Cowboys. Dan Quinn left the Cowboys to become the new head coach of the Washington Commanders, so Mike McCarthy all of a sudden has an opening. Seeing Martindale join an NFC East rival would be terrible.
There was buzz that the Eagles could look to try and bring him to town too, but Nick Sirianni was able to hire Vic Fangio after a surprising parting of ways with the Miami Dolphins. Other DC jobs across the league have been filled, but both the Giants and Cowboys are still looking for someone to lead their defense.
With the Giants, their candidates are starting to get thin. Dennard Wilson appeared to be the top target, and he even interviewed twice with Daboll. However, Wilson ended up agreeing to a deal with the Titans to become their new DC.
Joe Schoen had previously said that he was hoping to get a new defensive coordinator hired by the end of the week, but things are totally up in the air. Martindale of course won't be back with the G-Men, as his split with Daboll could not have been more dramatic. Those two had issues that could not be fixed, which was a darn shame.