Laura Martindale and Wink Martindale have discussed his football legacy, and he has concluded that he does not need to be an NFL head coach before he retires.
He told The Post on Thursday, “I’m fine with being among the best coordinators in this league.”
One of the best or the finest coordinator?
“We shall see,” Martindale replied. “We’ll see when everything is done.”
As the defensive coordinator for the Giants, Martindale has his hands full this wild-card week attempting to slow down the Vikings, contain Justin Jefferson, and hit Kirk Cousins enough to propel the NFC’s sixth seed past the third seed in Minneapolis and into a probable matchup with the first seed in Philadelphia.
Still, Martindale is a human being. According to a person close to him, “Wink went to New York to become a head coach” he is a 59-year-old grandfather who is running out of time. Martindale and his former boss, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, separated in part because their relationship had run its course after 10 years in Baltimore, and also because they decided Martindale’s greatest chance for a promotion lay with a storied organization that needed revitalization in the large metropolis.
On Thursday, Martindale assumed the news conference platform after his 35-year-old colleague Mike Kafka demonstrated how not to respond to valid questions regarding a head-coaching candidate during postseason preparation. According to reports, the Panthers and Texans have requested interviews with the Giants offensive coordinator, and if asked by the media about such prospects, the likeable Martindale would have relished the chance to interact and jokingly deflect. Upper-case Wink would have responded to these inquiries with a wink and a smile.
Wink Martindale is in his first season as defensive coordinator for the New York Giants.
Getty Images
To date, no team has requested an interview with the man who applied for the Giants’ managerial position three years ago but lost out to Joe Judge. But after his interview with reporters concluded, Martindale reminded The Post that the offseason hiring process is “extremely, extremely early.”
Could a spectacular postseason run spearheaded by the Giants’ defense propel Martindale into the end zone before his time expires?
“Do I desire to become a head coach? “Certainly,” he replied. “However, I can also serve as defensive coordinator, sign a lifetime contract, and remain here. I’m okay with that. It’s Minnesota week, so I’m trying not to focus about it in particular. I owe it to the players because they’ve worked so hard.”
And those Giants have fought exceptionally hard for Martindale, who has won over his team in Year 1 by playing offense on defense and by allowing the opposing quarterback so many passing lanes.
This season, 19 different players on our roster have recorded a sack, according to Martindale. That is insane.
Extremely chaotic for the coaches, but a lot of fun for the players.
Dexter Lawrence stated, “It is enjoyable because more than one person is writing the plays.” “The entire defense is making plays, and so are players you enjoy playing with. And it’s great to see varied levels of excitement and celebrations. These elements are consistent with an offensive style of defense.”
Likewise, malfunctions in a secondary left understaffed by an onslaught occur. On the Vikings’ game-winning drive on Christmas Eve, capped by a 61-yard field goal, Jefferson made two impressive catches against Martindale’s aggressive blitzing plan. Wink was quite excited to outline his strategy against Minnesota’s best player, whose jersey number he mentioned.
“Great players execute terrific plays, and number 18 executed a great play. “I made two,” Martindale remarked. “And Cousins threw from his back foot. … You attempt to restrict [Jefferson], but you cannot remove 18. He is one of the top two receivers in this league, but he is not second.
Wednesday, Wink Martindale speaks with Giants co-owner John Mara.
Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
After the loss to the Vikings, Martindale went to the back of the Giants’ plane and informed his players, “We have a playoff defense. We were just defeated at halfcourt by a buzzer-beating shot.”
Sunday, Martindale must ensure that Jefferson is not the league’s best receiver for at least three hours. He must ensure that Cousins receives punishment for his lack of movement.
The Giants will almost certainly impose significant pocket pressure. Martindale stated, “If you have New York or the old-school Giants on your helmet, you’re going to attack.” He feels that his team can continue the Giants’ heritage of playing dominant defenses that harass quarterbacks, from Tom Brady on down.
Wednesday during practice, Wink Martindale, left, meets with Giants general manager Joe Schoen.
And Wink has no desire to wait for the next step of Brian Daboll’s championship-building blueprint to take effect. According to Lawrence, Martindale “teaches us how to appreciate moments with one another since next year everything will be different. Don’t wait till the following year. “Reign supreme this year”
What will occur if the Giants’ defense dominates the Vikings’ offense and launches an improbable postseason run that is celebrated in the largest media market in the country?
Martindale responded, “I should be able to get a reservation.”
He should also be able to find employment.