The Wink Martindale-style attack-minded defense could be returning to the Giants.
While Martindale might have burned too many bridges on his explosive way out of East Rutherford after his clash with former head coach Brian Daboll, several of his former assistants make sense to call plays under soon-to-be-hired Giants head coach John Harbaugh.
Harbaugh and Martindale split in 2022, but that was more of an issue with Martindale and others in Baltimore.
Here are seven names to watch for Giants defensive coordinator:
Dennard Wilson, Titans
Wilson was at the top of Brian Daboll’s list for defensive coordinator in 2024, but he went to the Titans instead. He previously was with the Jets for four years, the Eagles for two and under Harbaugh in 2023. He came through the ranks as a defensive backs coach. The Titans somehow ranked No. 2 in yards allowed but No. 30 in points allowed in 2024 before No. 21 and No. 28, respectively, in 2025.
Anthony Weaver, Dolphins
If he doesn’t land a head coach vacancy with the Ravens, Steelers or Falcons, his services will be in demand as a coordinator. The former second-round pick out of Notre Dame has been an NFL assistant since 2012 and was Harbaugh’s assistant head coach in 2022 and 2023. He preaches stripping the ball on tackles.
Zach Orr, Ravens
Is it possible Harbaugh could just get the full Baltimore band back together with Todd Monken on offense and Orr on defense? Orr played for Harbaugh from 2014-16 and has been on his staff every year since 2017 except for one (2021), including the last two as the play-caller. The 2024 Ravens led the NFL in rushing defense – long the Giants’ biggest issue on that side of the ball.
Drew Wilkins, Rams
Martindale burned too many bridges on his way out the Giants’ door in 2024, but one of his proteges did not. Wilkins was the Giants outside linebackers coach in 2022-23 during the drafting of Kayvon Thibodeaux. He has been in that role with the Patriots and Rams since. But would he be a candidate to join Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula’s staff if he becomes a head coach, or even to replace Shula?
Joe Cullen, Chiefs
The longtime NFL defensive line coach had a one-year stint as defensive coordinator for the Jaguars after five seasons as Harbaugh’s position coach. He has been with the Chiefs since 2022, overseeing the development of George Karlaftis and other young pieces around All-Pro Chris Jones. The Giants could get Steve Spagnuolo’s input easily.
Charlie Bullen, Giants
There are no ties between Harbaugh and Bullen, but he is highly regarded in-house for the job he did simplifying things and increasing aggressiveness as a five-game interim play-caller at the end of the season. The Cowboys have requested a defensive coordinator interview with Bullen, who remains under contract. And he is closely tied to head-coach candidate Vance Joseph.
Antonio Pierce
The Giants’ great was out of the NFL in 2025 and around East Rutherford a lot after he was fired as Raiders head coach. He interviewed for the head coach vacancy. He has never called plays in the NFL before but did so at Arizona State. Linebackers coach might be a better fit, if he is open to it.
