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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Kevin Hickey

Giants expected to hire Don Martindale as defensive coordinator

The New York Giants are finalizing a deal to hire Don “Wink” Martindale as the new defensive coordinator, first reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Martindale was considered to be the favorite for the Giants ever since former defensive coordinator Patrick Graham took a job with the Las Vegas Raiders under Josh McDaniels.

With new head coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka both being first-timers, the Giants get some experience on the defensive side of the ball in Martindale.

Martindale stepped down from his role as Ravens defensive coordinator this offseason after spending four seasons (2018-2021) in that role. He was the Ravens linebackers coach for six seasons before that (2012-2017).

Martindale was also the defensive coordinator (2010) and linebackers coach (2009) for the Denver Broncos. Before that, he got his NFL coaching start with the Oakland Raiders as their linebackers coach (2004-2008).

Martindale brings a lot of experience to a defense that does have some solid foundational pieces, especially when it comes to the pass rush. The combination of Martindale, Daboll and Kafka certainly has some upside if they can get the right pieces playing together.

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