Don Martindale. Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys may interview former division rival for DC vacancy

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 2/7/24

The Dallas Cowboys have reportedly reached out to the agent of a former division rival regarding their defensive coordinator vacancy.

Michael Lombardi tells us the Cowboys have been in communication with Wink Martindale's agent about a potential interview. https://t.co/mtIGfuzN4t
— Bobby Belt (@BobbyBeltTX) February 7, 2024

Former Baltimore Ravens and New York Giants defensive coordinator Don "Wink" Martindale agreed to part ways with Big Blue in early January, but it was reportedly a very messy breakup.

Still, NFL Network's Jane Slater reported Wednesday that there are multiple reasons why it may make sense for Martindale to join Dallas.

Wink worked with linebackers at 3 stops before DC positions. A top 10 3rd down defense despite Giants woes and I’m told he would likely do a shorter deal. This is an intriguing candidate for Dallas https://t.co/ZQoycU66wv
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) February 7, 2024

The position on head coach Mike McCarthy's staff opened up when Dan Quinn was hired as the next lead man of the Washington Commanders. Quinn left the franchise after three seasons where he helped the defense finish in seventh, fifth and fifth in points per game allowed from 2021-23, respectively.

With superstars like Pro Bowl linebacker Micah Parsons, as well as cornerbacks DaRon Bland and Trevon Diggs in the secondary, the defensive coordinator gig in Big D is highly coveted. Parsons and Bland are only 24 years old, and while Diggs missed all but two games in 2023 because of a torn ACL, he's on track for a 2024 return and is just 25.

Martindale's defense finished the 2023 campaign 26th in the league in points per game allowed and the G-Men ended the season 6-11.

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