Ravens Turn to Chargers’ Minter as New Head Coach

The Baltimore Ravens have hired Jesse Minter as their next head coach, the team announced Thursday. The 42-year-old defensive coordinator from the Los Angeles Chargers signed a five-year deal to take over the position, becoming the fourth head coach in the franchise's history.

Minter replaces John Harbaugh, who was let go after 18 seasons with the team. Harbaugh won a Super Bowl, six AFC North titles, and led the Ravens to 12 playoff appearances before being fired on January 6 following a disappointing season that ended without a playoff berth. Harbaugh has since taken the job with the New York Giants.

Background

Minter's path back to Baltimore is notable. He first worked for the Ravens from 2017 to 2020 as a defensive assistant under John Harbaugh, serving as the team's defensive backs coach by 2020. After leaving Baltimore, he became a defensive coordinator at Vanderbilt before joining Michigan under Jim Harbaugh, John's brother.

At Michigan, Minter's defense helped the Wolverines win their first national championship since 1997 during the 2023 season. When Jim Harbaugh moved to the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024, he brought Minter along to lead the defense. In 2024, the Chargers had the league's top-scoring defense, allowing just 17.7 points per game. This season, they ranked ninth in points allowed and fifth in passing yards allowed.

Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta praised the hire in a statement.

"Jesse is a strong leader who possesses a brilliant football mind and a spirit that will resonate with our players and fan base alike. Jesse comes from a football family, with success at every level of the sport, and we are confident that he is the right coach to lead the Ravens forward."

Key Details

Minter's Track Record

Minter's coaching career began at Notre Dame in 2006 as a defensive intern. He worked at Cincinnati, Indiana State, and Georgia State before joining the Ravens. His defensive work at Michigan and the Chargers caught the attention of NFL teams looking for their next head coach.

The Ravens interviewed multiple candidates for the position, including Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady. However, the organization decided Minter was the best fit. Owner Steve Bisciotti said the team conducted a thorough interview process and was impressed by Minter's vision.

"Jesse was impressive throughout our incredibly thorough interview process. He clearly understands the values, high expectations and history of the Ravens, and he has a great vision for the future."

Minter canceled a second interview with the Cleveland Browns on Thursday to focus on the Ravens opportunity, avoiding a division rival in the process.

The Ravens' Situation

The Ravens finished the 2025 season with an 8-9 record after starting 1-5. The defense struggled significantly, finishing 18th in points allowed, 30th in passing yards allowed, and tied for 27th in sacks. This defensive decline was a major factor in the team's disappointing campaign.

Despite the defensive struggles, the Ravens still have offensive weapons. Quarterback Lamar Jackson is a two-time MVP and one of the most dynamic players in the league. Running back Derrick Henry is an All-Pro performer. However, both players are aging, and the clock is ticking on their prime years.

Jackson has never won a Super Bowl or even played in an AFC Championship game, a point of criticism despite his individual excellence. Minter will be tasked with building a defense strong enough to support Jackson's offense and potentially end the quarterback's championship drought.

What This Means

Minter's hiring represents a calculated decision by the Ravens to maintain organizational continuity while bringing in fresh leadership. By hiring someone who previously worked in the organization and is part of the Harbaugh coaching family, Baltimore avoided a complete overhaul.

The new head coach will need to address the defensive issues that plagued the team this season. The Ravens have young defensive talent to build around, including safety Kyle Hamilton and cornerback Malachi Starks. Minter's defensive expertise will be important in turning around a unit that underperformed in 2025.

Minter also faces the challenge of finding an offensive coordinator to work with Jackson and Henry. That position should be attractive to potential candidates given the star power at quarterback and running back.

The Ravens' decision to hire Minter suggests the organization believes it can return to contention quickly. With a strong defense led by a proven defensive mind and an elite offense already in place, Baltimore hopes to end its playoff drought and make another Super Bowl run.

Minter expressed his excitement about the opportunity in a statement released by the team.

"I am truly honored to serve as the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens. This is an organization whose values, culture and tradition of excellence reflect everything I believe about the game of football and how it should be played. My family and I are thrilled to join the Ravens flock, and we can't wait to make the fans, the great city of Baltimore and Maryland proud."