The New York Jets are closing in on a major hire, and all signs point to veteran defensive coach Wink Martindale being the guy to take the reins of their defense.
Martindale flew into New York on Saturday for an in-person interview with the Jets - his second meeting with the team - and there’s growing momentum that this could be the final step before a deal gets done. Multiple league sources suggest it’s not a matter of if Martindale joins the Jets, but when. And with recent moves the team has made behind the scenes, it’s starting to feel like the table is already set.
The Jets shook up their defensive coaching staff on Friday night, parting ways with several key assistants, including defensive line coach Eric Washington and linebackers coach Aaron Curry. That kind of sweeping change typically doesn’t happen without a new coordinator already in mind - or at least very close to being in place. The timing, paired with Martindale’s visit, adds up.
While Martindale isn’t officially hired yet, he’s long been viewed as the frontrunner. He joins a shortlist of candidates who’ve been brought in for face-to-face interviews, alongside interim defensive coordinator Chris Harris and Vikings defensive backs coach Daronte Jones.
But Martindale’s resume stands out. He’s the most experienced name in the group by a wide margin.
Martindale last coached in the NFL in 2023, when he and the Giants parted ways after a two-year run as their defensive coordinator. Before that, he spent four seasons leading the Ravens’ defense, helping craft one of the league’s most aggressive and physical units. His defenses in Baltimore were known for their blitz-heavy approach and a swagger that matched the city’s football DNA.
Still, there are questions - and fair ones. Some around the league wonder if Martindale’s scheme, which leans heavily on pressure and man coverage, has kept pace with today’s more spread-out, motion-heavy offenses.
It’s worth noting that no other team has seriously pursued him this hiring cycle. That doesn’t mean he can’t still coach - but it does raise eyebrows.
For the Jets, this feels like a move aimed at stability and experience. After a rocky 2025 season and a defense that didn’t quite live up to expectations, they’re clearly looking for someone who’s been through the wars.
Martindale fits that mold. He’s a no-nonsense coach with a track record of getting results - and he’s not afraid to bring the heat, both literally and figuratively.
This potential pairing also carries a sense of urgency. The Jets need a defensive coordinator who can help them rebound quickly, and Martindale needs a landing spot to get back in the game.
It’s a partnership that might not be built on long-term planning, but rather immediate necessity. Sometimes, that’s exactly what sparks a turnaround.
If the Jets do finalize the hire, it’ll mark a clear shift in defensive philosophy - and a bet that Martindale’s old-school edge can still make noise in a new-school NFL.