Leslie Frazier (right) with Ron Rivera.
(Wikimedia Commons)
The New York Giants’ Wink Martindale era ended in an expletive-laden implosion after the relationship between the defensive coordinator and head coach Brian Daboll disintegrated through a 6-11 2023 season.
The Giants are now in the midst of a significant coaching-staff overhaul having let go of numerous members that were fixtures of the 2023 sideline, including offensive-line coach Bobby Johnson, special teams coach Thomas McGaughey, and the Wilkins brothers — Martindale’s right-hand coaches on defense that ultimately led to the 60-year-old defensive coordinator reportedly telling Daboll, “f—k you,” as he stormed out of the team’s facilities, per Paul Schwartz of the New York Post.
Now with Martindale not returning after a roller-coaster of “will he or won’t he?” Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen have even more work to do this offseason, which includes addressing the future of Saquon Barkley, deciding on Daniel Jones’ legitimacy as a starting quarterback that could include drafting a passer with the No. 6 pick this spring, and building an offensive line that was one of the worst units in NFL history.
Here are some early candidates who could take over the defense after Martindale’s departure:
2024 New York Giants defensive coordinator candidates
Andre Patterson
Patterson is the Giants’ defensive-line coach who is one of two in-house options that could potentially be promoted to coordinator.
The 63-year-old was a co-defensive coordinator for two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings under Mike Zimmer from 2020-2021, though that unit didn’t boast the best numbers. They ranked 27th and 30th in total yards allowed during his two seasons at the position as well as placing 29th and 24th in points allowed.
He has done well with his defensive line in New York, though, helping Dexter Lawrence develop into one of the top tackles in the league while nurturing Kayvon…
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