Advertisement

Who will replace Wink Martindale as Giants defensive coordinator? Here are 11 candidates

Art Stapleton, NorthJersey.com
·4 min read
1

EAST RUTHERFORD - Wink Martindale won't be returning as defensive coordinator of the New York Giants after two seasons on Brian Daboll's coaching staff. His anticipated resignation is not official yet, but it's happening.

The only question now is where Daboll and Big Blue go from here for a hire that will redefine their defense.

Here is a look at possible candidates for the Giants to consider:

Leslie Frazier, ex-Bills defensive coordinator

FILE - Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator and assistant head coach Leslie Frazier walks the sideline prior to an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, in Orchard Park, N.Y. Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier is taking a year off from coaching with plans to return for the 2024 season, the team announced on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Bryan Bennett, File)

This one makes too much sense, provided the 64-year-old Frazier would come back to the league for a position other than head coach after taking a year off. He stopped by the Giants last June in a round of team visits to check in on friends, but with connections to Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen from Buffalo, it's hard to rule this one out.

Andre Patterson, Giants defensive line coach

NorthJersey.com's Art Stapleton interviews Giants defensive line coach Andre Patterson
NorthJersey.com's Art Stapleton interviews Giants defensive line coach Andre Patterson

The 63-year-old defensive line guru is one of the more respected position coaches in the league. The Giants' scouts have leaned on Patterson, and Dexter Lawrence took his game to an All-Pro level thanks to his teachings and advice. He was a co-DC in Minnesota, but did not call the plays.

Jerome Henderson, Giants defensive backs coach

New York Giants defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson talks to reporters on the first day of mandatory minicamp at the Giants training center in East Rutherford on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.
New York Giants defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson talks to reporters on the first day of mandatory minicamp at the Giants training center in East Rutherford on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.

The 54-year-old Henderson is one of the first coaches Daboll hired when he joined the Giants and has done a fantastic job with the secondary. Could Henderson and Patterson link up in a co-DC situation, especially with assistant DL coach Bryan Cox and Mike Treier as assistant DB coach already playing key roles in their respective positions?

Antonio Pierce, Raiders interim head coach

Nov 12, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders interim head coach Antonio Pierce enters the field for warm up against the New York Jets at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders interim head coach Antonio Pierce enters the field for warm up against the New York Jets at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

The former Giants captain and Super Bowl champion should be hired as the full-time head coach in Las Vegas. He's done a very good job in place of Josh McDaniels and the players love him. But this is Mark Davis, of course, and he ignored all that a few years back with Rich Bisaccia. So, if the 45-year-old Pierce shakes free, could the Giants be interested as assistant head coach and DC?

Jerod Mayo, Patriots linebackers coach

New England Patriots linebackers coach Jerod Mayo during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium.
New England Patriots linebackers coach Jerod Mayo during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium.

What if the 37-year-old Mayo, presumed as the heir apparent to Bill Belichick in New England, suddenly shakes free if there are changes in Foxboro? Daboll was a coach with the Patriots for four years during Mayo's playing career.

Patrick Graham, Raiders defensive coordinator

When Daboll was hired, he was open to retaining the 44-year-old Graham as DC. Graham, instead, decided to go to Vegas with McDaniels, so the parting wasn't necessarily smooth. Still, if the Raiders go in another direction, perhaps Graham could resurface as a target.

Sean Desai, Eagles defensive coordinator

September 18, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks associate head coach - defense Sean Desai before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
September 18, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks associate head coach - defense Sean Desai before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The 40-year-old Desai was a finalist when Martindale got the job here two years ago. Did his experience in Philadelphia over the past month with his play calling duties being stripped and given to Matt Patricia hurt his candidacy elsewhere?

Ejiro Evero, Panthers defensive coordinator

Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero looks on before an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero looks on before an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

The 43-year-old has been considered one of the hot young coaches. And while Carolina has struggled across the board, leading to Frank Reich's firing, the whole experience might not tarnish Evero and his chances.

Al Holcomb, Bills defensive assistant

Dec 23, 2018; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Al Holcomb against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2018; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Al Holcomb against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

A defensive quality control coach with the Giants on Tom Coughlin's staff, the 53-year-old Holcomb left a positive impression in the organization. He got caught up in two bad coaching situations in Arizona and Cleveland were dismantled after one losing season.

Anthony Campanile, Dolphins linebackers coach

Dolphins linebackers coach Anthony Campanile.
Dolphins linebackers coach Anthony Campanile.

This would represent a homecoming for the 41-year-old from Fair Lawn, but he's one of the rising stars in the profession with a steady climb in the NFL. He's worked with Brian Flores and Vic Fangio in Miami and has quality stops at the college level at Michigan and Boston College. A jump to DC might be too big of a leap, but bringing him in for an interview isn't farfetched.

Chris Shula, Rams pass rush coordinator/linebackers coach

Los Angeles Rams linebackers coach Chris Shula on the sideline while playing the Jacksonville Jaguars during an NFL Professional Football Game Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, in Inglewood, Calif.
Los Angeles Rams linebackers coach Chris Shula on the sideline while playing the Jacksonville Jaguars during an NFL Professional Football Game Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, in Inglewood, Calif.

Sean McVay's coaching tree bears plenty of juicy fruit more times than not. Yes, the 37-year-old Shula is the grandson of the NFL coaching legend Don Shula. The Rams are very good defensively, and while it's unlikely Daboll brings someone in so green, talented coaches are talented coaches. You never know when the risk pays off with significant reward.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NY Giants defensive coordinator candidates: Options after Wink Martindale