New York Giants DC Martindale a Frontrunner for Indianapolis Colts Head Coaching Vacancy

The Indianapolis Colts have dragged out their head coaching search long enough that they risk becoming the last person standing without a chair, but at least one of their preferred candidates remains available. According to Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News, New York Giants defensive coordinator Con "Wink" Martindale remains a favorite to eventually land the Colts' head coaching gig.

Giants defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale is considered one of the frontrunners for the Indianapolis Colts head coaching job as Round 2 of Indy’s interviews nears a close, a source told the Daily News on Thursday.@PLeonardNYDN https://t.co/xaa0CEWmkC
— NY Daily News Sports (@NYDNSports) February 3, 2023

Martindale is 59 years old and has coached in the NFL since 2004. He coached linebackers with the Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos until he earned his first opportunity as a defensive coordinator with the Broncos in 2010. It didn't go as planned. The Broncos ranked dead last in yards allowed and points allowed, and Martindale was let go after a single season.

Martindale went back to coaching linebackers for the Baltimore Ravens after a year out of the league. He worked his way back up to a role as defensive coordinator in 2018 and held onto the position until 2021. He teamed up with first-year head coach Brian Daboll on the New York Giants in 2022, and the two led the team all the way to the Divisional Round, putting an end to a streak of five straight losing seasons.

Since that first brutal year with the Broncos, Martindale has developed into an effective and charismatic coach. The Ravens ranked third or better in points allowed three times under his tenure, and his arrival on the Giants coincided with an improvement from 23rd in points allowed in 2021 to 17th this season. In a league that is skewing ever younger and more towards offensive minds at head coach, he would be a refreshing (if risky) change of pace for the Colts.