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Wink Martindale fires shot at New York Giants, praises Michigan Wolverines 'I'm Glad I'm here'

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By AJ Schulte | Last updated Nov 7, 2024 7:00 AM ET

The Michigan Wolverines hired Wink Martindale as their defensive coordinator just weeks after he resigned from his position with the New York Giants.

Amidst some reported tension between himself and Giants' head coach Brian Daboll, Martindale left the Giants and the NFL entirely despite spending the last two decades among professionals.

It seems like Martindale still holds some bitterness toward his former employer. When asked if he envisions staying in the college ranks, he replied, "I’m glad I’m here. I love the players we have … It’s a lot better than being in some places that are 2-7."

Asked Wink Martindale if he could see himself coaching in college for the long haul. “I’m glad I’m here,” he said. “I love the players we have … It’s a lot better than being in some places that are 2-7.”
— Austin Meek (@byAustinMeek) November 6, 2024

Of course, the "some places" he is referring to are the Giants, who are 2-7 and on the verge of their second straight losing season.

There was plenty of tension between Martindale and Daboll and the two completely deteriorated as the losses kept piling up. The Giants fired two of Martindale's pupils, outside linebackers coach Drew Wilkins and assistant Kevin Wilkins, in November. That decision, according to the New York Post, had Martindale cussing out Daboll before storming out of the room.

The journey to the collegiate ranks isn't working out well for Martindale so far. Michigan's defense has fallen off pretty hard from their success of the previous two seasons. Even with a talent advantage against most teams, they make far too many errors, more than one would expect of a defense led by someone with the pedigree Martindale has.

The Wolverines are failing to adjust to basic college concepts and motion, as well as demonstrating some frustrating tendencies to keep trying looks and coverages that just haven't worked at all for them this season.

Still, Michigan sits at 5-4 and is one game away from clinching a bowl berth. Going .500 and at least having a shot at the postseason is better than what Martindale was facing with the Giants.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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