FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets aren’t wasting time trying to fix a defense that was historically broken last season. Per SNY’s Connor Hughes, former Giants Defensive Coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale is flying to New York today to interview in-person for the Jets’ vacant defensive coordinator role. This marks the most aggressive move yet by head coach Aaron Glenn, who is looking to salvage a unit that posted zero interceptions in the entire 2025 campaign.
From Big Blue to Gang Green?
Martindale isn’t just a familiar face; he’s a chaotic force. After spending the last two seasons calling plays for the Michigan Wolverines—where he kept the defense ranked in the top 10 nationally in 2024—Martindale is looking for an NFL comeback. His resume screams “disruption,” exactly what the Jets lacked last year.
The numbers paint a brutal picture of why Martindale is in the building. Under the previous staff, the Jets plummeted to 31st in scoring defense (29.6 PPG) and became the first team in modern history to finish a season without a single interception. Contrast that with Martindale’s final year with the Giants in 2023, where his blitz-heavy scheme forced a league-leading 31 takeaways. If hired, he brings instant credibility and a “hit-first” mentality to a locker room desperate for an identity.
“He’s a dog. You watch his tape, you see guys flying around, hitting quarterbacks, forcing fumbles. That’s the energy we lost. If he walks through those doors, the standard changes instantly.” — Anonymous Jets Veteran, via SNY Sources
Playoff Implications / What’s Next
This hire would be a massive gamble for Aaron Glenn entering his second year. Martindale is a Type-A personality who famously clashed with Brian Daboll across town. Pairing him with Glenn—another defensive-minded coach—could either create a defensive juggernaut or a power struggle. But with over $90 million in cap space and the No. 2 overall pick looming, the Jets need a splash. If Martindale signs, expect the Jets to target aggressive man-coverage corners in free agency to fit his heavy-pressure system. The meeting is happening right now.
