The Baltimore Ravens have filled their head coaching vacancy by hiring Jesse Minter, a move that comes at the expense of the Los Angeles Chargers. Minter is departing his role as the Chargers’ defensive coordinator to take over as Baltimore’s next head coach, the team announced Thursday. His appointment makes him just the fourth head coach in Ravens franchise history, highlighting the organization’s strong belief in his ability to lead and shape the team’s future.
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta praised Minter in a statement, calling him a “strong leader” with a “brilliant football mind” and a background rooted in football success at every level. DeCosta emphasized that Minter’s personality and coaching philosophy would resonate with both players and fans as the team looks to continue its tradition of excellence. According to ESPN, Minter agreed to a five-year contract with Baltimore.
Chargers Face Coaching Shakeup As Minter Departs, McDaniel Joins Offensive Staff
Minter’s departure comes at a turbulent yet ambitious moment for the Chargers. Just 48 hours earlier, reports surfaced that former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel had agreed to join Los Angeles as offensive coordinator, assuming he does not land another head coaching job in 2026. While that move signaled optimism for the Chargers’ offense, losing Minter represents a significant setback for a defense that thrived under his leadership.
Earlier Thursday, Cleveland.com reported that Minter declined a second interview with the Browns, opting instead to pursue opportunities he viewed as more stable and definitive. That decision ultimately led him back to Baltimore, where familiarity and organizational alignment played key roles in his choice.
Jesse Minter (NFL)Minter’s Proven Defensive Success Earns Baltimore Head Coach Role, Chargers Face Transition
Minter joined the Chargers’ staff in 2024 under head coach Jim Harbaugh, continuing a professional relationship that began at Michigan from 2022 to 2023. His impact in Los Angeles was immediate and measurable. This past season, the Chargers ranked fifth in the NFL in yards allowed and ninth in points allowed. The year prior, under Minter’s guidance, they finished 11th in yards allowed and led the league in points allowed, cementing his reputation as one of the league’s top defensive minds.
His ability to build disciplined, efficient defenses made him a top head coaching candidate during this hiring cycle. Minter interviewed for several openings, including positions in Cleveland, Atlanta, and Las Vegas, before ultimately accepting the Ravens job.
Minter’s move to Baltimore represents a homecoming of sorts. He previously served on John Harbaugh’s defensive staff with the Ravens from 2017 to 2020, giving him firsthand experience with the organization’s culture and expectations. That familiarity likely eased the transition and strengthened Baltimore’s confidence in handing him the reins.
In a statement, Minter expressed gratitude and excitement for the opportunity, calling it an honor to lead an organization whose values and traditions align closely with his own beliefs about football. He added that he and his family are eager to join the Ravens community and make fans across Baltimore and Maryland proud.
For the Ravens, Minter represents continuity blended with fresh leadership, as the franchise turns to a coach who understands its identity while bringing modern defensive innovation. For the Chargers, his exit creates another offseason challenge as they work to stabilize their coaching staff and maintain momentum under Jim Harbaugh. Minter’s departure underscores how quickly success can reshape an organization’s future, sometimes at a cost.
