Jets on the verge of hiring Wink Martindale as their new defensive coordinator

The New York Jets appear to be reaching the final stages of their defensive coordinator search, and veteran assistant Wink Martindale remains the odds-on favorite for the job.

SNY's Connor Hughes reported Saturday morning that Martindale is set to fly to New York today to meet with the Jets for an in-person interview. This is the second time Martindale has interviewed with the Jets, and there's a good chance he doesn't leave the building without a contract.

Hughes added that league sources have believed for some time that the Jets hiring Wink Martindale is “a matter of when, not if.” Rich Cimini of ESPN echoed that sentiment, reporting that “things are trending in a positive direction” regarding Martindale and the Jets.

The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt added that "Martindale has been the favorite for the job," and that "this could settle up quickly." While nothing is set in stone just yet, all signs point to the Jets and Martindale reaching an agreement in the near future.

The Jets could hire Wink Martindale as their new defensive coordinator as soon as today

The Jets reportedly made a number of changes to their coaching staff on Friday night, essentially overhauling their entire defensive staff, including the likes of defensive line coach Eric Washington, linebackers coach Aaron Curry, and many others.

The expectation was that the Jets would wait until a new defensive coordinator was in place before making widespread staff changes. Given that context, the timing of last night’s announcement and today’s report involving Martindale should not be viewed as a coincidence.

The Jets released a list of eight candidates who participated in virtual interviews for their defensive coordinator opening last Friday. To this point, the only known candidates to receive in-person interviews are interim defensive coordinator Chris Harris, Minnesota Vikings defensive backs coach Daronte Jones, and now Martindale.

Martindale hasn't coached in the NFL since 2023, when he parted ways with the New York Giants after two years spent as the team's defensive coordinator. He previously spent four years as the Baltimore Ravens' defensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021.

There are valid concerns about Martindale's candidacy, with many believing that his scheme has become archaic for the modern NFL. There's a reason no other team has shown any interest in hiring the longtime assistant this cycle.

But the Jets clearly appear intent on bringing in an experienced option, and Martindale is the most accomplished candidate among those they’ve interviewed. If anything, this feels like a marriage born out of desperation on both sides.

Martindale needs the Jets almost as much as they need him. And soon, both sides may find out whether that mutual urgency leads to a much-needed reset or simply another short-lived solution.