Wink Martindale is on the verge of a potential return to New York as he is slated for an in-person interview for the New York Jets’ defensive coordinator position. This comes a day after the Jets made headlines by firing several defensive position coaches, indicating a significant shift within the team’s coaching staff.
Martindale, previously the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants, is among eight candidates selected for the initial round of interviews. Sources report that Jets’ head coach Aaron Glenn has prioritized Martindale as his top choice from the outset. Both coaches share a vision for an aggressive, attack-minded defense, which may prove crucial for addressing the Jets’ alarming statistic of finishing the season without any interceptions.
Fans of the Giants, where Martindale enjoyed a successful two-year stint that included a playoff appearance in 2022 and a season where the team led the NFL in takeaways, may have hoped for his return. However, the abrupt ending of his time with the Giants, coupled with his previous association with new Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh, makes that prospect unlikely.
Conversely, Jets fans might have been optimistic about the possibility of bringing back former player and current Broncos assistant head coach Jim Leonhard for the defensive role. However, Leonhard is currently focused on the AFC Championship game and remains ineligible for hiring. Meanwhile, Martindale is available after not being retained as Michigan’s defensive coordinator following recent staff changes.
The dynamics could lead to an interesting turn of events, with the potential for an ex-Jets player to take a coaching role with the Giants while an ex-Giants coordinator could be stepping in at the helm for the Jets. Despite initial concerns about Martindale and Glenn both having dominant personalities, it appears Martindale is no longer pursuing a head coaching position, which could lead to a productive partnership.
As the Jets overhaul their coaching staff—having recently dismissed several defensive coaches, including the linebackers coach and defensive assistants—bringing in a savvy strategist like Martindale could be a pivotal move. His reputation for crafting effective defensive schemes could kickstart a much-needed turnaround for the Jets. SNY first reported the news of Martindale’s upcoming interview, setting the stage for what may be a significant development for the team.