Giants head coach Brian Daboll told reporters after the conclusion of the team’s 2023 season that he planned to retain defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale.

There was a breakdown somewhere because Martindale apparently had other plans, resigning from his post on Monday.

Fox Sports reported earlier this year that there was tension between the two sides but both publicly downplayed it. It seems like where there is smoke, there is sure to be fire.

A report says Wink Martindale stormed out of the Giants building amid a meeting with head coach Brian Daboll. The report says Martindale cursed out the coach then got up and slammed the door. The team has not been able to get in contact with him.

Martindale joined the Giants under Brian Daboll in 2022 after four years as the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive coordinator. He is under contract and owed $3 million for the 2024 season.

The Giants can block any defensive coordinator interviews for Martindale until he’s officially gone.

The Giants already have fired Martindale’s co-workers when they parted ways with outside linebackers coach Drew Wilkins and defensive assistant Kevin Wilkins.

If he is gone, Martindale’s exit marks the end of a months-long back-and-forth between the coordinator and head coach.