Ravens Hire Jesse Minter as Head Coach
Baltimore Ravens hired Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter as head coach, replacing John Harbaugh; he inherits Lamar Jackson and a defense needing rebuilding this season.
Overview
Baltimore Ravens hired 42-year-old Jesse Minter, previously Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator, making him the franchise's fourth head coach in 31-year history.
Owner Steve Bisciotti and GM Eric DeCosta cited Minter's defensive acumen, leadership and familiarity with Ravens' culture after interviewing 16 candidates during an extensive search this offseason.
Minter coached under John Harbaugh in Baltimore (2017-20), served as Michigan's defensive coordinator for a national title, then led the Chargers' defense under Jim Harbaugh.
Minter must rebuild a Ravens defense that struggled in 2025, manage Lamar Jackson's recovery and contract discussions, and assemble an offensive staff to complement the roster.
His departure creates coordinator openings for the Chargers; Minter was a hot candidate who interviewed with multiple teams, affecting several head-coaching searches leaguewide.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources are neutral in this coverage: they report facts, chronology, candidate lists, and context without overt editorializing. Evaluative phrases (e.g., “brilliant football mind,” “strong leader”) are presented as team statements. The structure balances background, stats, and quotes, favoring informational completeness over a persuasive narrative.
Sources (3)
FAQ
John Harbaugh was fired on January 6 after the Ravens failed to reach the playoffs for the first time in four seasons, despite his 193 wins and a Super Bowl title in 2012.[5]
Minter worked with the Ravens from 2017-2020 as a defensive assistant, assistant defensive backs coach, and defensive backs coach.[1]
Under Minter, the Chargers defense ranked top-five in points per game, total yards, passing yards, interceptions (34), and opposing red zone percentage since 2024, plus fifth in total defense, third against the pass, and seventh against the run in the most recent season.
Minter must rebuild a struggling Ravens defense from 2025, manage Lamar Jackson's recovery and contract, and assemble an offensive staff, while being the first defensive background head coach in franchise history.[2]
The Ravens interviewed 16 candidates, with second interviews for Miami Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver and Buffalo Bills OC Joe Brady, in addition to Minter.[5]
History
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