The Indianapolis Colts have wrapped up Round 2 of their interview process and appear to be narrowing down a list of potential head coaches.
In a somewhat rare move, Jim Irsay & Co. are also preparing to conduct a third round of interviews that will likely include New York Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale.
Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reports that Martindale is considered a frontrunner for the position.
A source tells me Giants DC Don Martindale is considered one of the frontrunners for the Colts HC job as Round 2 of interviews comes to a close. But it’s not clear who all Indy intends to include in Round 3, how long it would take & what impact that would have on the process https://t.co/hj3ZqdW3FP
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) February 2, 2023
In addition to Martindale, the following candidates also received a second interview:
- Colts interim HC Jeff Saturday
- Denver Broncos DC Ejiro Evero
- Los Angeles Rams DC Raheem Morris
- New York Giants DC Wink Martindale
- Cincinnati Bengals OC Brian Callahan
- Green Bay Packers STC Rich Bisaccia
- Philadelphia Eagles OC Shane Steichen
- Detroit Lions DC Aaron Glenn
This past season was Martindale’s first with the Giants after spending a decade with the Ravens from 2012-2021 as their linebackers coach and defensive coordinator.
New York’s defense ranked 17th in points allowed and 25th in yards allowed under Martindale, but were among the NFL’s best red zone defenses.
Despite Martindale’s desire to become a head coach at the NFL level, he has twice insisted the Giants were never viewed as a stepping stone to that position.
“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.”
It’s possible that the Giants offer Martindale more money to stay in the event he’s offered the job in Indianapolis.
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