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Defensive coordinator for the Michigan Wolverines and former defensive play-caller for the New York Giants Wink Martindale couldn’t help but criticize his former NFL employer during a Wednesday media conference as he considered his coaching future. Martindale’s departure from the Giants was far from smooth.

Martindale contrasted his present status with the Wolverines to that of the Giants, who are now tied for the NFL’s worst record entering Week 10, when asked by a reporter if he wants to coach in college football for the long haul. He went on to say that he could envision himself doing so.
No problem. I haven’t given any consideration to the long term,” Martindale stated. You simply attempt to consider the future; you are 61 years old. I’m relieved to be here. The players we have are amazing. In my opinion, college football is clearly an entirely different sport.
“But it’s a lot better than being at some places that are 2-7.”

Starting in 2004 with the Las Vegas (then-Oakland) Raiders, Martindale has coached linebackers for several NFL teams, including the Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens, and, most recently, the New York Giants in 2022 and 2023.

On a per-game basis, Martindale’s Giants defenses were ranked 18th in ’22 and 26th in ’23. A playoff berth and postseason triumph in ’22 were New York’s thanks to an underappreciated defense, revived quarterback play by Daniel Jones, and the enthusiasm of then-first-year coach Brian Daboll. However, in ’23, the Giants regressed. Speculation about a rift between Martindale and Daboll surfaced as the 23rd week began, with the team sitting at 3-8.

The last few hours of Martindale’s tenure with the Giants were chaotic; he had left as defensive coordinator in January of 24. According to reports, Martindale slammed the door and stormed out of the building after becoming enraged at Daboll’s decision to dismiss Drew Wilkins, who was the linebackers coach at the time, and Kevin Wilkins, who was the defensive assistant.