Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Dan Benton

Wink Martindale, Mike Kafka ‘out of the running’ for Colts head coaching job

Wink Martindale appears poised to return as the New York Giants’ defensive coordinator in 2023.

Although Martindale had been considered a finalist for the Indianapolis Colts head coaching job, he was informed on Friday that he is now out of the running.

Buy Giants Tickets

Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka is also out of the running, although that wasn’t necessarily unknown.

This past season was Martindale’s first with the Giants after spending a decade with the Baltimore Ravens from 2012-2021 as their linebackers coach and defensive coordinator.

The Giants’ defense ranked 17th in points allowed and 25th in yards allowed under Martindale, but they were among the NFL’s best red zone defenses.

Although Martindale has been very public about his desire to land a head coaching job, he insisted he never viewed the Giants like a stepping stone.

“When I came here as a Giant, it wasn’t a stepping stone for me. It was a destination,” Martindale said in January. “I love it here in New York. I love the city. I think it’s the greatest city in the world, I think it’s the greatest fans in the world and the ownership — the Maras and Tischs — have been great to my family.”

Martindale earned two interviews with the Colts but was not considered for any other head coaching jobs this offseason.

Kafka, who drew interest from four teams, remains a finalist for the Arizona Cardinals head coaching job. However, they will not make a hire until after Super Bowl LVII.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.