Giants DC Wink Martindale Reportedly Resigns; Daboll Expects OC Kafka to Return

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New York Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale is resigning from his role with the team, according to Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News:

That news comes just hours after coach Brian Daboll said that he believed that Martindale and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka will be back in 2024.

“My expectation is that Wink and Kafka will both be back. … There are still conversations to be had,” Daboll said, per Jordan Raanan of ESPN. “We’ve only been here for a short time.”

Daboll continued by saying that having some continuity would be beneficial for the team next season and the commitment shown from the two to the franchise is something he values.

“It’s my expectation that they’re going to come back. I think they’re good coaches. So it would be good to have some continuity and be back,” Daboll said, per Raanan. “I know Wink talks about this as a destination place and things like that. It’s good. I appreciate how hard they work, the commitment to the team. So that is my plan.”

However, Martindale’s future with the team appeared to be in doubt when Raanan and The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported on Monday afternoon that he may not return next season:

The Giants went 6-11 after a strong 9-7-1 season in 2022 that saw the franchise reach the postseason for the first time since 2016. The regression was concerning, and a season-ending injury to starting quarterback Daniel Jones certainly didn’t help the team’s chances.

Now, after Martindale’s reported resignation, the Giants will be looking for a new coordinator to lead the defense.