The Los Angeles Chargers have appointed Jesse Minter as their next defensive coordinator, as announced by the team on Tuesday. Additionally, they are poised to bring on Greg Roman as their offensive coordinator, according to a source familiar with the situation as reported by The Athletic.
These appointments mark the initial significant hires under the leadership of new head coach Jim Harbaugh, who transitioned from his successful tenure at Michigan, where he secured a national championship earlier in January.
Minter, who served as Michigan’s defensive coordinator for the past two seasons following his tenure in the same capacity at Vanderbilt, boasts an impressive track record. Under his guidance, Michigan’s defense excelled, allowing only 247 yards per game last season, ranking them at the top nationally.
Prior to his role at Michigan, Minter contributed to John Harbaugh’s coaching staff with the Baltimore Ravens as a defensive backs coach in 2020.
Roman, despite not coaching in the past season, brings extensive experience to the table. He previously held the position of offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens for four seasons, the San Francisco 49ers for four seasons, and the Buffalo Bills for two seasons.
Jim Harbaugh steps into the Chargers’ coaching role following the departure of Brandon Staley, who was relieved of his duties in December following a challenging 5-9 start to the season.
New general manager Joe Hortiz emphasized the priority of finalizing the coaching staff during his introductory news conference on Tuesday, indicating that he and Harbaugh have been tirelessly working towards this goal.
The Chargers wasted no time in announcing Minter as the first addition to Harbaugh’s new staff, with Roman set to follow suit. Further announcements regarding the coaching staff are anticipated in the days ahead as Harbaugh’s vision for his team takes shape.
The synergy within the coaching staff is evident, with Minter and Roman both having prior connections to the Ravens. Minter’s stint as Michigan’s defensive coordinator came after Mike Macdonald’s departure to assume the Ravens’ defensive coordinator position in 2022, highlighting the interconnectedness between the two teams.
Roman’s recent tenure as the Ravens’ offensive coordinator aligns with the coaching lineage shared with John Harbaugh, further reinforcing the cohesive approach envisioned by the Chargers’ leadership.
Looking ahead, the Chargers’ coaching puzzle is nearing completion, with the final piece being the appointment of a special teams coordinator. Ryan Ficken, the incumbent special teams coordinator, remains a strong contender for the role.
The organization has been in ongoing discussions with Ficken since Harbaugh assumed the coaching reins, acknowledging his instrumental role in revitalizing the Chargers’ special teams unit over the past two seasons.
As the Chargers solidify their coaching staff, attention also turns to Michigan, where Minter’s departure prompts the search for his successor. With defensive line coach Mike Elston also joining the Chargers, Michigan’s defensive coaching staff undergoes significant changes.
Finding a coordinator with familiarity with the Baltimore Ravens’ scheme emerges as a priority for Michigan as they seek to build on the success achieved under Minter’s leadership.
