The November rumors of “stress” between New York Giants HC Brian Daboll and DC Don “Wink” Martindale apparently weren’t simply smoke. On Monday, it was introduced that New York and Martindale have been parting methods after two seasons and that the assistant is anticipated to resign, although he has not but formally completed so.
In mild of the midseason stories, the transfer is not essentially shocking, however New York’s protection wasn’t precisely its largest challenge. After such a controversial exit, the strain is on for Daboll to land a big improve for his defensive play-caller. Listed below are three candidates who may very well be his reply.
Antonio Pierce, Las Vegas Raiders interim head coach
Though Pierce loved a powerful 5-4 run as Las Vegas’ head coach and has the assist of a number of key gamers, if the group hires a extra skilled candidate, he ought to be New York’s best choice. In accordance with Sports activities Illustrated’s Hondo S. Carpenter, that seems to be the case already, as a member of the Giants group instructed him that Pierce “could be a prime goal for our DC job.”
Whereas it will be a step-down, given his latest success, Pierce won’t get critical consideration for an additional group’s head-coaching job. Taking up a DC function could be an enchancment over his earlier place as a linebackers coach, and the chance to work for the group he received Tremendous Bowl XLII with may very well be attractive for Pierce.
Below Pierce, the Raiders reworked into one of many NFL’s prime defensive models, permitting the fewest factors (16) and Eleventh-fewest yards per sport (324.9) whereas forcing 14 turnovers. Moreover, the Raiders collected 30 sacks over their remaining 9 video games, and if there’s one group that may profit from a greater pass-rushing scheme, it is the Giants, whose 34 sacks have been the fourth-fewest within the league.
Leslie Frazier, free agent
Given Daboll and GM Joe Schoen’s ties to the Buffalo Payments, it would not be stunning if Frazier, who was the group’s DC from 2017 by way of the 2022 season, was an early front-runner to interchange Martindale. New York has proven curiosity in Frazier a number of occasions through the years, as he interviewed for its head-coaching emptiness in 2022 and visited the group final offseason meaning to presumably be part of the employees.
Along with his Payments tenure, Frazier had three different stints as a defensive coordinator, working for the Cincinnati Bengals (2003-2004), Minnesota Vikings (2007-10) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2014-15). Nevertheless, the 64-year-old undoubtedly loved his most success as a DC in Buffalo. In three of his six seasons with the Payments, Frazier’s protection was a top-three unit when it comes to factors and yards allowed, together with in 2021, the place the group ranked first in each classes.
Andre Patterson, New York Giants line of defense coach
Whereas there ought to be a number of intriguing exterior candidates to select from this offseason, going the inner route may very well be useful, particularly if there are any gamers who passionately disagree with Martindale’s departure. Patterson is maybe essentially the most underrated member of Daboll’s employees and was instrumental in creating DT Dexter Lawrence II right into a two-time Professional Bowler and probably the greatest gamers at his place.
Over his first three seasons, Lawrence performed simply 150 snaps at nostril sort out, the place he would transfer to completely due to Patterson, and the outcomes have been strikingly completely different. Lawrence notched 8.5 profession sacks and 30 QB hits earlier than Daboll’s employees took over, and simply final season alone, he racked up 7.5 sacks and 28 QB hits.
Patterson spent two seasons because the co-defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings (2020-21) and performed an integral function in elevating their go rush to an elite stage. In Patterson’s second season with the Vikings, the group ranked second in sacks (51), which was greater than double their 2020 sack complete (23). Giants edge-rushers Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari’s play nonetheless leaves a lot to be desired, so having the chance to proceed working beneath Patterson may assist every make important leaps, even when they don’t seem to be as drastic as Lawrence’s.
