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Jets Target Wink Martindale for Defensive Coordinator, per Report

The reported pursuit follows a season of defensive collapse that cost Steve Wilks his job.

Overview

  • Newsweek reports the Jets have “extreme interest” in Don “Wink” Martindale for their defensive coordinator opening, with one source saying he has Aaron Glenn’s ear.
  • Martindale is available after Michigan’s coaching change, as new head coach Kyle Whittingham chose not to retain him.
  • The 62-year-old is a veteran NFL coordinator with previous stints leading defenses in Denver, Baltimore and with the New York Giants.
  • New York’s defense cratered in 2025, allowing 29.6 points per game, finishing 3-14 and becoming the first team since 1933 to end a season without an interception.
  • Glenn dismissed Steve Wilks after a 48-20 loss to Jacksonville and installed Chris Harris as interim, and any Martindale hire would require confidence in fit after his messy Giants split with Brian Daboll.