NFL Rumors: Wink Martindale Eyed by Jaguars for DC Job After Split with Giants

After firing Mike Caldwell after the regular season, the Jacksonville Jaguars may turn to Wink Martindale as their next defensive coordinator.

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Jaguars are among the teams interested in Martindale to run their defense next season.

Caldwell, who was hired in February 2022 after Doug Pederson took over as head coach, has been the main scapegoat for the Jaguars' late-season collapse since there have been no other significant changes made to the coaching staff or front office at this point.

It's not hard to make an argument against the job Campbell did. When the Jaguars started the season 6-2, their defense allowed an average of 19.5 points per game and recorded 16 sacks.

After their bye in Week 8, the Jaguars allowed opposing teams to score 23.9 points per game and had 24 sacks in nine games. Those numbers were helped by a 26-0 shutout of the Carolina Panthers in which they sacked Bryce Young six times.

Five teams scored at least 28 points against them over the final nine games of the season. They went 3-6 during that stretch to miss the postseason.

Martindale left the New York Giants on Wednesday in a mutual parting of ways. The decision came after Paul Schwartz of the New York Post reported the 60-year-old "cursed out" head coach Brian Daboll when several of his assistants on the defensive staff were let go.

There were reports during the season of tension between Martindale and head coach Brian Daboll, though both men attempted to downplay there were any issues.

Martindale has an aggressive style of play-calling that relies heavily on blitzing. It can lead to his defense giving up big plays, but it's also an effective way to hide some positions that might be devoid of talent by forcing the opposing quarterback to get rid of the ball quickly.

The Jaguars need to re-sign Josh Allen this offseason. He's their best pass-rusher and had a career-high 17.5 sacks in 2023. Travon Walker, the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NFL draft, took a step forward this season with 10 sacks.

It's not a perfect defense, but there are skilled players to work with if Martindale wants to take on the challenge of helping get Jacksonville back on track.