Report: Cardinals Eye Wink Martindale for Defensive Coordinator Role Amid Ongoing Search
The Arizona Cardinals’ search for a defensive coordinator has taken an interesting turn, with veteran coach Wink Martindale reportedly back in the mix. According to NFL insider Albert Breer, Martindale could be under consideration for the job if Houston Texans defensive backs coach Dino Vasso officially declines the offer - and signs are pointing in that direction.
That puts the Cardinals back at square one in their DC search, and Martindale, a well-known figure in defensive circles, could be getting another look.
Martindale, 62, brings a long résumé of NFL experience, most notably as the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens and, more recently, the New York Giants. His units have consistently been aggressive, blitz-heavy, and designed to create chaos - sometimes to great effect.
In 2023, the Giants led the NFL in takeaways under his watch. That’s no small feat in a league where ball security is king.
But Martindale's tenure in New York wasn’t without turbulence. His relationship with head coach Brian Daboll reportedly soured, leading to a high-profile split that saw both men eventually part ways with the team.
Since then, Martindale hasn’t coached in the NFL. He spent the past two seasons at Michigan, helping shape the defense at the college level while staying close to the game.
He nearly found his way back to the league with the New York Jets, but talks reportedly fell through due to internal disagreements over play-calling responsibilities. That setback seemed to put a pause on his NFL return - until now.
Enter the Cardinals.
Arizona’s defense has struggled for years, lacking both identity and consistency. Bringing in a coordinator like Martindale - known for his aggressive, pressure-first philosophy - would certainly be a bold move.
His system thrives on blitzing, disguising coverages, and forcing offenses into uncomfortable situations. When it works, it creates turnovers and chaos.
When it doesn’t, it can leave a defense exposed.
That kind of high-variance approach might be exactly what Arizona is looking for. Head coach Mike LaFleur, who’s putting together his first staff as the top man, has already made some unconventional hires, including bringing in Nathaniel Hackett as offensive coordinator. Adding Martindale would continue that trend - a staff full of experienced but polarizing figures.
There’s no denying Martindale’s football acumen. His fingerprints are all over some of the most dynamic defenses of the past decade.
The Ravens’ success under Mike Macdonald, including a Super Bowl run, was built on a foundation Martindale helped lay. But his fiery personality and desire for control have made him a complicated figure in NFL coaching circles.
For the Cardinals, this would be a calculated risk. Their defense has little to lose and plenty to gain from a coach with Martindale’s pedigree.
If he can bring discipline and results to a unit that’s lacked both, the hire could pay off in a big way. But if past tensions resurface, it could be another setback for a franchise still trying to find its footing.
At this point, nothing is finalized. But with Vasso reportedly staying in Houston, the door is open for Martindale to return to the NFL - and Arizona might just be the team willing to give him that shot.