Many Calling For It As Eagles Boss Set Pursuit For DC Who Just Quit His Job With Rival

Former New York Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale helped defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux develop over the last two years. After quitting his job, many Eagles are clamoring for him to be hired as their new DC. Chris Faytok | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Regardless of a win or loss by the Eagles against the Buccaneers on Jan. 15 in their wild-card game, Philadelphia needs to fix its defense this offseason to become a serious contender again. One of the potential solutions is to replace defensive coordinator Sean Desai.

A possible candidate is former Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, who resigned from his job Monday, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The Giants hold Martindale’s rights through 2024 and could theoretically block a move to the Eagles, according to The Athletic’s Dan Duggan.

Martindale’s recent success with the Giants and Ravens will help him generate a lot of interest from NFL teams. The Eagles (11-6) struggled against his defense in their 27-10 loss to the Giants on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

Philadelphia’s 26th-ranked defense has allowed 25.2 points per game this year, 30th in the NFL. It can’t stop quarterbacks from picking it apart and its pass rush and run defense have weakened. The Eagles desperately need a new play-caller and new personnel. One is easier to get than the other.

The Eagles surprisingly demoted Desai, a first-year DC, and replaced him with Matt Patricia four weeks ago. Switching defensive coordinators this late in the season was a panic move, the last four games further proof when they allowed nearly 27 points per game in a 1-3 stretch.

The Eagles lost control of the NFC East by losing their final two games against bad opponents (Cardinals and Giants). Philadelphia’s defense allowed 27 points to the Giants and gave up 35 points to the Cardinals, who never punted.

It could get worse against the Bucs, who have a capable offense under quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Unless the Eagles make a deep run, changes are coming, and it would be surprising if they stick with the same coordinators after spiraling after a 10-1 start.

Many Eagles fans are clamoring for the organization to hire Martindale as soon as possible.

“Wonder if Wink Martindale wants a job and can start today. The Eagles’ defense literally can’t get worse. #Eagles,” one person tweeted on X.

“I think Wink Martindale would be awesome as the Eagles DC if he doesn’t get a head coaching job,” someone else said.

His game plan against the Eagles was praised by one X user: “Watching this Giants/Eagles… Wink Martindale made (Jalen) Hurts look like a rookie that couldn’t read anything pre-snap.”

The Eagles finished with 299 total yards and gave up five sacks to the Giants.

Martindale runs a blitz-heavy scheme, which could help Philadelphia revive its quarterback pressures. But New York’s defense squandered 23.9 points per game — 26th out of 32 teams — and has not always been consistent under Martindale. It also allowed 361.7 yards per game compared to 356.1 for the Eagles.