Giants lose key member in one of the worst ways possible

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Adam Holt | Last updated 1/8/24

The New York Giants have had a busy Monday following Week 18. During the morning, they fired special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey and offensive line coach Bobby Johnson.

Just a couple of hours later, it was announced that they were moving on from outside linebackers coach Drew Wilkins and his brother, defensive assistant Kevin Wilkins. Both of them had strong relationships with defensive coordinator Don 'Wink' Martindale.

Now, Wink has made a major decision on his future. Martindale is resigning from the position of Giants defensive coordinator.

Don "Wink" Martindale has resigned, to be more specific. He'll be coveted and won't be out of work for long. Expect Drew and Kevin Wilkins, two top assistants, to join him. https://t.co/3Rn755Nyiy
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 8, 2024

He's expected to pursue head coach and defensive coordinator opportunities elsewhere. Martindale has gotten head coaching interview in recent years, and that will probably be the case again during this offseason.

Martindale, 60 years old, spent two seasons as New York's defensive coordinator after holding that position with the Baltimore Ravens for the previous four years.

The update is clearly a surprise to Giants head coach Brian Daboll. On Monday morning, he said that he did not expect a change at DC.

Brian Daboll says the #Giants have moved on from ST Coordinator Thomas McGaughey and OLine coach Bobby Johnson.

Adds he doesn’t expect a change at Offensive or Defensive coordinator, “My expectation is that Wink and Kafka will be back”
— Madelyn Burke (@MadelynBurke) January 8, 2024

The Giants will be on the search for their new defensive coordinator in the coming weeks/months. There will be plenty of solid candidates. New York needs to choose one that compliments Daboll's vision for the team's offense.

Keep an eye out here for updates on their search.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: