The Las Vegas Raiders have entered the mix for one specific coaching candidate from a division rival.
As NBC Sports noted, they requested permission to interview Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter for their head coaching vacancy.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Raiders’ request adds to a growing list of teams pursuing Minter.
Just one day after LA has been eliminated, this is a clear sign that the Chargers’ defensive architect has quickly become a top name on the market.
With Los Angeles’ season ending in a Wild Card loss to New England less than 24 hours ago, Minter is now free to begin interviews.
Why Jesse Minter Is Drawing So Much Attention
Minter’s rise is because of his results on the field.
Under him, the Chargers fielded one of the NFL’s most complete and disciplined defenses.
The unit finished first in points allowed (17.7 per game).
They also led the league in red-zone defense, allowing opponents to score touchdowns on just 45.0% of red-zone trips.
That situational dominance became a defining trait of Minter’s scheme.
The numbers behind it only reinforce the case for him to become a head coach.
Los Angeles ranked 11th in total yards allowed (324.4 per game), fifth in defensive EPA per play (-0.054), and ninth in DVOA.
In coverage, the Chargers finished fifth in team coverage grade.
Their run defense also ranked sixth, showcasing just how balanced this unit was.
The secondary thrived as well.
They finished third in interceptions and allowing the lowest passer rating in the NFL (75.0).
League evaluators have taken note not just of the rating, but of the trajectory of how much they have improved.
Minter’s defense showed a significant year-over-year jump in efficiency, which is a sign of a system that players clearly bought into.
Having previously worked under Jim Harbaugh at Michigan and earlier with John Harbaugh in Baltimore, Minter also brings a great resume and background to the table.
A Growing List of Teams Approaching Minter
The Raiders aren’t alone.
As of now, four teams have formally requested permission to interview Minter: the Raiders, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, and Tennessee Titans.
With the Chargers now eliminated, virtual interviews can begin immediately.
In-person meetings, however, are permitted starting January 19 under NFL rules.
For Las Vegas, the interest signals their surprising willingness to look inside the division to find their next head coach.
For the Chargers, it creates a big looming question.
If Minter lands a head coaching job elsewhere, Los Angeles could look internally, with defensive line coach Mike Elston and defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale viewed as potential successors.
We’ll have to see how it unfolds, but losing Minter, especially to a division rival, would be a significant blow.
AFC West Rival Makes Surprise Move for Chargers’ Jesse Minter