The New York Giants interviewed Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale for their vacant head coach position, the team announced late Saturday night.
Martindale is the fourth candidate to interview for the head coach role. The others so far include Kris Richard, Eric Bieniemy and Mike McCarthy. Should Martindale be the hire, he would be a change in philosophy from the two offensive-minded head coaches before him.
Currently enjoying a bye week during the playoffs, the Ravens defense has thrived under Martindale’s leadership. They finished the season fourth in yards per game (300.6) and third in points per game (17.6) while being a top-six unit against both the run and the pass.
Martindale began his NFL coaching career with the Oakland Raiders in 2004 as the linebackers coach. He held that role until 2008 when he joined the Denver Broncos staff, holding the same role for them during the 2009 season.
Wink became the defensive coordinator for the Broncos in 2010 and then he joined the Ravens in 2012 as the linebackers coach. He held that role through the 2017 season until he became the Ravens defensive coordinator beginning in 2018.
Martindale was also a part of the Ravens coaching staff that won Super Bowl XLVII.
The Giants will continue their head coach search with Baylor’s Matt Rhule on Tuesday.
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