The Eagles have shown interest in Wink Martindale following the dismissal of their defensive coordinator.

Wink Martindale’s potential next opportunity seems to be emerging. The Philadelphia Eagles have reportedly fired defensive coordinator Sean Desai, prompting them to explore replacements. General manager Howie Roseman and head coach Nick Sirianni have reached out to candidates, including the former Giants’ defensive coordinator, as per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. Additionally, the Eagles have been in contact with Ryan Nielsen, the former defensive coordinator for the Falcons, among others. Considering Martindale for the position would introduce an intriguing dynamic to the rivalry between the Eagles and Giants.

From a football standpoint, Martindale’s blitz-heavy coaching style could be advantageous for the Eagles, especially given their underperforming pass rush in 2023. Philadelphia’s defense boasts several Pro Bowl-caliber players in the secondary and on the line, potentially offering upgrades compared to Martindale’s previous tenure with the Giants.

The Eagles, having recently dismissed their defensive coordinator, are expressing interest in Wink Martindale, the former defensive coordinator for the Giants.

On locker clean-out day, inside linebacker Bobby Okereke expressed admiration for Wink Martindale, stating, “It’s a resilient group, and it starts at the top, it starts with Wink. The way he coaches, the way he leads, just the energy, the fire, the passion he imposes on us, he really steers the ship.”

Martindale’s time with the Giants concluded on a sour note, marked by a deteriorating relationship between him and head coach Brian Daboll. Tensions had been escalating for a while, reaching a breaking point when Daboll let go of two individuals close to Martindale after the season concluded.

Sean Desai was fired as Eagles defensive coordinator on Sunday.Getty Images

According to The Post’s Paul Schwartz, Wink Martindale reacted strongly to the news from head coach Brian Daboll, reportedly cursing him out and storming out of his office. Although initial reports on January 8 suggested that Martindale had resigned, no official resignation was submitted, leading to further speculation. Eventually, on January 10, both parties “mutually agreed to part ways.”

In negotiations between the team’s lawyers and Martindale, an agreement was reached allowing Martindale to accept a job from any other team. This arrangement waived the Giants’ obligation to pay him the $3 million owed under his contract for 2024. This agreement removed a potential obstacle to Martindale securing a new position for the 2024 season, potentially opening doors to opportunities in Philadelphia or elsewhere in the NFL.

It has been reported that Martindale had interviews scheduled last week for the vacant defensive coordinator position with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Eagles coach Nick Sirianni has reportedly already reached out to Martindale.Getty Images

The Eagles’ decision to relieve Desai of his duties doesn’t come as much of a surprise after Sirianni stripped him of the defensive playcalling duties in the final month of the season.

It was Desai’s first season as the defensive coordinator for the Eagles and in his final six games as defensive play-caller, Philly was 32nd in the league in third-down defense and red-zone defense.