Wink Martindale to interview with Jaguars in search for new suitor after Giants fallout

Wink Martindale’s search for a new team has reached Jacksonville. The ex Giants defensive coordinator is set to interview with the Jaguars on Tuesday and Wednesday for their defensive coordinator vacancy, according to Sports Illustrated . It’s the first known interview for Martindale since his ugly split with the Giants .

As part of their agreement in their parting, the Giants do not have to pay Martindale the $3 million he was owed for next year in his contract, and Martindale is free to join any team he chooses. Martindale served as the Giants’ defensive coordinator for two seasons, but a boiling rift with head coach Brian Daboll led to Martindale’s departure.

The Post’s Paul Schwartz reported that Martindale cursed out Daboll in a meeting after the latter revealed he was firing Drew and Kevin Wilkins, two defensive assistants to whom Martindale is very loyal. The Jaguars fired defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell and his staff after the season and their brutal collapse down the stretch.

After starting 8 3, the Jaguars lost five of the next six games and missed out on the playoffs. The Giants conversely have their first candidates to replace Martindale . They interviewed Ravens secondary coach Dennard Wilson and are set to interview Titans defensive coordinator Shane Bowen for their own defensive coordinator vacancy.

Martindale’s Giants defense finished the regular season with the seventh worst unit in scoring, fourth worst against the run and 14th worst passing defense, though they were tied for most takeaways in the NFL..