Former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale isn’t one to hold back, and his recent comments on his ex-team, the New York Giants, make that perfectly clear.
Now leading Michigan’s defense, Wink threw a subtle jab at the Giants’ 2-7 record, saying he’s “glad” to be in Ann Arbor, a place he called “a lot better than some places that are 2-7.”
The message was clear: Martindale isn’t missing New York.
"It's a lot better than being in some places that are 2-7"
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) November 6, 2024
Wink Martindale takes a shot at the #Giants when discussing his coaching future at Michigan 👀 pic.twitter.com/FlZDA7b0ss
Wink’s exit from the Giants last offseason wasn’t just a parting of ways; it was a messy breakup with plenty of tension on both sides. After guiding the Giants’ defense to a playoff win in 2022, Martindale’s second season saw New York regress and led to friction with head coach Brian Daboll. This boiled over with public clashes and disagreements on staff decisions, especially after the team let go of two of Wink’s trusted assistants.
Martindale ultimately decided he’d had enough.
Wink Martindale does not miss NY - takes shot at Giants after 2-7 start
For Martindale, who was part of the Ravens' Super Bowl-winning staff and an architect of Baltimore’s dominant defenses from 2018 to 2021, this is about respect and stability - two things the Giants seem to be lacking.
While he’s thriving in the college game, the Giants are struggling to find answers. They brought in Shane Bowen to replace Wink, and while New York’s defense ranks well in sacks, it hasn’t been enough to turn their season around.
The offense remains a mess, and Daboll’s leadership is under heavy scrutiny.
Martindale’s comments might be a parting shot, but they underscore why he’s likely relieved to be out of New York’s storm. For Wink, Michigan offers a fresh start with fewer politics, a supportive environment, and a renewed focus on player development without the chaos he endured in his Giants stint.
And while the Ravens moved on from Wink to build their defense under Mike Macdonald, his legacy of aggressive, hard-nosed defense is alive in Baltimore and Ann Arbor alike. For now, Wink’s just happy to be miles away from MetLife, watching the Giants’ ongoing drama from a comfortable distance.