The Baltimore Ravens appear to have zeroed in on their next head coach. After firing John Harbaugh on January 6, according to NFL insider Jason LaCanfora, the organization is expected to hire Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.
“Execs from multiple NFL front offices who are conducting head coaching searches believe the Ravens are moving close to a final decision and strongly anticipate Chargers DC Jesse Minter getting the job. The industry also expected Minter in BAL before Harbaugh was let go, FWIW.”
Minter just completed his second season in Los Angeles under Jim Harbaugh. Before that, he worked under Harbaugh at the University of Michigan. The Chargers’ job is the fourth time he’s served as a defensive coordinator, both in college and in the NFL. The 42-year-old began his coaching career at the University of Cincinnati as a defensive assistant.
Minter worked for the Ravens from 2017 to 2020, first as a defensive assistant and then as the defensive backs coach. A former college wideout at Mount St. Mary, Minter specialized in pass defense during his time with Baltimore.
Jesse Minter Predicted to Become the Next Ravens Head Coach
When team owner Steve Bisciotti discussed his next head coach, he emphasized wanting someone committed to the technical aspects of the game, the Xs and Os. Minter earned a reputation for teaching the game with an in-depth knowledge of the sport, especially in his approach to defense.
In 2024 with the Chargers, Minter often deployed a five-man front, especially against spread formations. This involved three defensive tackles and two edge rushers, one in a three-point stance, the other shaded far outside the tackle or tight end. The interior three attempted to crash down. Typically, one tackle (usually the left) slid outside to meet the edge rusher.
That approach contributed to the Chargers’ defense ranking in the top five for attempts, yards, passing yards, and passing touchdowns allowed during the 2024 season. Los Angeles didn’t allow more than 281 yards in any game, per Pro Football Reference. Additionally, they allowed fewer than 200 passing yards in ten games during the 2024 season.
Minter’s Approach Could See Improved Play Offensively
As a defensive coordinator, Minter worked without a coach’s oversight. In other words, an offensive-minded head coach did not interfere with the defense. If he accepts the Ravens job, Minter will likely push for a strong offensive coordinator to run a scheme tailored to the team’s talent.
GettyLos Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter
GettyJesse Minter, Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator calls plays during an October 5, 2025 game.
Lamar Jackson may see a slight change in offense, with a coordinator who wants a powerful running game but relies more on the running backs. In 2025, the Ravens ranked last in passing attempts. Attending to the passing attack becomes a priority.
The Defensive Will Look Different Under Minter’s Watch
As mentioned, the defensive shift could be seismic. Under those circumstances, the team would need to alter multiple aspects of the unit. The edges need to be stout against the run and possess the twitch to get into the backfield. Currently, Mike Green is primarily a pass rusher who prefers a two-point stance. In addition, the linebackers must quickly attack the ball in the run game and be athletic enough to play the pass.
GettyBaltimore Ravens outside linebacker Mike Green prepares for a September 22, 2025
Minter prefers a defensive scheme emphasizing zone coverage rather than man-to-man. According to Sharp Football Analysis, in 2024, the Ravens’ secondary used zone coverage 62.7% of the time. In contrast, Minter’s Chargers used zone coverage 81.3% of the time in the same season.
If he is hired, management could look to offload man-to-man specialists and target defensive backs adept at reading the quarterback, dropping into a zone, loving the nickel, and reacting aggressively to plays in their area.
The Chargers are known for their high use of Nickel, but Jesse Minter isn’t opposed to utilizing Base.
Even in their 3-4, the same hybrid concepts show up.
Here’s a scheme where LA “floats” the Nose.
They’ve used this to gain numbers off-tackle.
— pic.twitter.com/KoEBHvJCS6— Cody Alexander (@The_Coach_A) December 20, 2025
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Derwin James enjoyed his most-statistically diverse season under Minter in 2024, totaling 187 tackles, four interceptions, 7.5 sacks, and 16 tackles for loss. Kyle Hamilton possesses a similar skill set, though without the same pass-rush opportunities to date.
Great job by Jesse Minter scheming up this sack for Derwin James. Show 7 on the line in a 3 edge rusher package and end up using their own tendencies against the Raiders by dropping Tuli and Hand on the front side and rushing Henley and Still on the backside. DJ gets a free shot… pic.twitter.com/Z1hU8Y9GEz
— Steven Haglund (@StevenIHaglund) December 1, 2025
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If the Ravens hire Minter this offseason, he will bring his style to Baltimore. For the first time since 2007, the team would have a new head coach.
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