Wink Martindale has reportedly resigned as Giants defensive coordinator, and many responded by criticizing Brian Daboll for not being able to mend his relationship with Martindale amid reports of a feud between the two earlier this season.
Keith isn’t putting the split on Daboll, rather the product of a failed season where the Giants won just six games and suffered multiple blowouts where the defense was seemingly nonexistent, particularly against the Cowboys.
“Heads do have to roll. This is the NFL,” Keith said. “They’re alpha males…when [Daboll] came out today and said he expects Martindale and [Mike] Kafka to return…they knew the corresponding moves might upset him.
“None of that matters, man. Heads gotta roll. This is a business. You won six games this year. Someone’s gotta go.”
As for the fans lamenting the departure of Martindale, who helped stabilize the defense as the year went on, Keith says all it takes is the hiring of a bright young defensive mind to wash away Martindale’s memory from the New York consciousness.
“I don’t think you’ll care too much if your defense improves next year under some young, hot shot defensive coordinator,” Keith said. “I’m telling you, you’re not gonna care about 60-year-old Wink Martindale if the defense is better and you’re not giving up 30-40 points.”
