The Baltimore Ravens held their introductory press conference for new head coach Jesse Minter on Thursday.
Jesse Minter was hired by the Ravens on January 22nd, 2026. Minter previously served as the Los Angeles Chargers‘ defensive coordinator in 2025.
During the press conference, the new head coach says he wants to call the defense.
“I do plan on calling the defense. That’s a strength of mine. I think that’s one of the reason’s I’m sitting here.” Minter said.
Minter has familiarity with the Baltimore Ravens organization. He was on the Ravens’ staff from 2017-20, beginning as a defensive assistant.
The new Ravens head coach was promoted to assistant defensive backs coach and eventually defensive backs coach in 2020.
Jesse Minter’s Defensive Success
If anyone has watched the Baltimore Ravens in the last 30 years, they are known for their defensive tenacity.
With Minter now leading the way, the Ravens have a good chance of getting back to that standard.
In 2025, the Chargers had the 5th ranked defense in the NFL under Minter. They held opponents to 20 points or fewer in 10 of their last 11 games, and they tied for third in interceptions with 19.
“The Los Angeles defense was fast and physical this season, led by Pro Bowl safety Derwin James and Pro Bowl outside linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu.” Clifton Brown wrote in a Baltimore Ravens article. “The Chargers had four players with at least five sacks – Tuipulotu (13.5), ex-Raven Odafe Oweh (7.5), Justin Eboigbe (6), and Khalil Mack (5.5). The Ravens are seeking to improve their pass rush, and hitting the quarterback was one of the Chargers’ strengths.”
“Baltimore had the NFL’s No. 1 defense in 2018 and a top-five defense (No. 4) in 2019 when Minter was on the staff. The Ravens are seeking a return to that level of defensive play.”
For the past two years, the Ravens have struggled on the defensive side of the ball. Minter’s hire could be a breath of fresh air for Ravens fans.
Jesse Minter will now have an opportunity to work a versatile player such as All-Pro Safety Kyle Hamilton. Minter spoke on how much of an impact Hamilton has on this Ravens squad.
“Kyle is a weapon,” Minter said. “He’s a positionless defensive player. I could not be more thrilled to be able to work with Kyle. I know he’s excited and I’m excited to work with all the great players in this organization.”
The Baltimore Ravens Struggled defensively in 2025
Under defensive coordinator Zach Orr, the Ravens ranked 24th in total defense during the 2025 season.
Baltimore was the 10th ranked defense against the run. They were the 30th ranked defense against the pass. Though the team was talented on both sides of the ball, they failed to live up to the high expectations of the 2025 season.
Defensively, the Ravens had trouble generating pressure with a 30% pass rush win rate in 2025. According to ESPN, the win rate ranked 28th in the league.
Minter’s hire signifies Baltimore’s win-now mode with possible Super Bowl aspirations.
Under the leadership of Minter, the Baltimore Ravens should be in good hands defensively. With a two-time MVP on the other side of the ball, the Ravens should have big expectations again in 2026.
Head Coach Jesse Minter Ready to Turn Ravens Defense Around