As part of defensive coordinator Wink Martindale’s negotiated divorce from the Giants, he can take any job he wants this offseason.
And Martindale’s first known defensive coordinator interview popped up Saturday: He is expected to speak next week with the Jaguars, according to NFL Network.
The Jaguars are coached by former Eagles coach Doug Pederson.
Martindale, unsurprisingly, hasn’t attracted any known head coaching interest this offseason. So ultimately, he probably will be a defensive coordinator in 2024.
(And no, the Giants don’t play the Jaguars next season.)
Pederson just went through a defensive staff house cleaning in Jacksonville, after his second season there.
Meanwhile, Martindale split from the Giants and coach Brian Daboll at the end of an ugly, drawn-out divorce. Like Daboll, Pederson is an offensive-minded head coach. So he needs a strong defensive coordinator. He just fired Mike Caldwell from that role.
The 9-8 Jaguars finished this past season 18th in Pro Football Focus’ defensive ratings. The 6-11 Giants were 26th.
The Jaguars started 8-3, but then lost five of their final six games and missed the playoffs — an epic collapse.
In terms of Martindale’s other potential defensive coordinator interest, keep an eye on the Eagles, especially if they go one-and-done in the playoffs and lose at the Buccaneers on Monday night. Martindale landing Philadelphia, of course, would mean two meetings with the Giants in 2024.
Darryl Slater may be reached at [email protected].
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