New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll stressed that he's done discussing any reports of friction between him and defensive coordinator Wink Martindale that could lead to a parting of ways.
The report, initially by FOX Sports' Jay Glazer, claimed that things had deteriorated so badly in the Daboll-Martindale relationship that a parting of ways was likely imminent, perhaps even before the season ends. But Daboll refuted the report after the Giants defeated New England 10-7 on Sunday, and he did so again--albeit a bit more firmly--on Monday.
"I'm done with that," he said as questions began to trickle in about the topic. "I addressed what I said last night, and I’m going to leave it at what I said last night."
Still, when pressed as to why he gave Martindale a game ball ("Because we had another game of three turnovers and held them to seven points.") and if he had spoken with Martindale regarding the reports, he said, "Yeah, I just met with Wink a little while ago. We had donuts."
Daboll then said that it's not uncommon for there to be friction among coaches, particularly when things aren't going right.
"Look, you’re in a competitive industry so the people you work with, you’ve got a lot of respect for. Everybody’s trying to get the same thing," he said.
But when asked if he could definitively say that Martindale would be the defensive coordinator for the rest of the season, Daboll offered his most telling statement about the situation by refusing to give a definitive answer.
"Guys, I talked (and said) what I said last night. We’re moving on here. Getting ready for the bye week," he said.
Pat's Take: If Daboll indeed wanted Martindale out, there was no way that was going to happen after the defense turned in another strong showing Sunday, albeit against a dismal New England Patriots team.
As for the game ball comment, I'd have to go back and check, but I can't remember an instance where a coach received a game ball. That doesn't mean it hasn't been done--it's entirely possible it's been done off-camera--but presenting an assistant coach with a game ball over a player is rare and unusual.
That all being said, Daboll can't be happy with how all three sides of the ball have played this season, injuries or no injuries. It would not be a surprise if he starts over with all new coordinators on offense, defense, and special teams. That's something of a risk, mind you, as it means the defense could be looking at having to learn an entirely new system.
But if there's one thing we've learned about Daboll, he doesn't make snap decisions driven by emotion. Still, this situation continues to bear watching, especially considering how the two men have had moments of strife in the open for all to see.
More must-reads: