Looking for their next head coach, the New York Giants have reportedly turned their attention to the Ravens' coaching staff.
The Giants have requested permission to interview Defensive Coordinator Wink Martindale. Martindale confirmed the request was made, but hasn't spoken to anyone about it.
In two seasons as the Ravens coordinator, Martindale has directed a defensive unit that has ranked among the NFL's top five in both seasons – No. 1 overall in 2018 and No. 4 overall this season. After losing key veterans C.J. Mosley, Eric Weddle, Terrell Suggs and Za'Darius Smith from the 2018 defense, Baltimore has allowed the fewest points in the NFL since Week 6 and has remained one of the league's elite defensive teams.
Martindale has smoothly integrated players acquired during the season into his defensive scheme, such as linebackers Josh Bynes and L.J. Fort, Pro Bowl cornerback Marcus Peters, and defensive linemen Domata Peko and Jihad Ward.
Baltimore's players clearly enjoy Martindale's personality, as well as his aggressive play-calling. The Ravens have blitzed more than any team in the NFL this season.
In both of Martindale's seasons as defensive coordinator, the Ravens have won the AFC North, finishing with a league-best 14-2 record this season. Martindale joined the Ravens' staff in 2012, spending six seasons as their linebackers coach.
On Monday, Rapoport reported that Martindale would want Joe Brady to come along as his offensive coordinator. Brady is LSU's 30-year-old passing game coordinator/wide receivers coach, who has been praised for his role in the Tigers' high-scoring offense and his influence on Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Joe Burrow.
By league rule, the Giants can interview Martindale in Baltimore this week with the Ravens having a bye this weekend before hosting their divisional-round playoff game Jan. 11. The Giants fired former head coach Pat Shurmur on Monday.
Other reported candidates for the Giants' job include Baylor Head Coach Matt Ruhle, New England Patriots Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels, Kansas City Chiefs Offensive Coordinator Eric Bieniemy and Dallas Cowboys Passing Game Coordinator Kris Richard.
Last week, Martindale said it would take a "dream-type" job to leave the Ravens.
"We love this city. We love our organization here," Martindale said. "It would have to be a dream-type job to take, where you know you can build the winning culture that we have here."
