Jan. 13, 2026, 6:58 p.m. MT
The Arizona Cardinals promised casting “a wide net” in their search for a new head coach. So far, it is pretty wide. Prior to Tuesday, there were 10 reported candidates the Cardinals had either already interviewed or requested to interview. Additionally, they have been in contact with former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, although nothing formal has emerged.
They added another candidate on Tuesday, as they interviewed Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, according to SI.com’s Albert Breer.
Minter had interview requests made previously with all eight teams with coaching vacancies. This is the first we have heard publicly that the Cardinals had interest in him.
Minter has run a fantastic Chargers defense the last two seasons under head coach Jim Harbaugh. They were 11th in yards allowed in 2024 and No. 1 in points allowed. This past season, they were a top-10 unit in both metrics — fifth in yards and ninth in points.
The Chargers were eliminated from the postseason in a 16-3 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday.
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Prior to his time as DC in L.A., he was the defensive coordinator at Michigan under Harbaugh in 2022-2023, when the Wolverines won the natoinal championship.
He was defensive coordinator and coached safeties for Vanderbilt in 2021. Prior to that, he was on John Harbaugh’s defensive staff with the Baltimore Ravens from 2017-2020 as a defensive assistant, an assistant defensive backs coach and defensive backs coach.
Minter also interviewed with the Tennessee Titans on Tuesday.
So far, there has been no word about anyone who has moved on to be ready for a second interview.
Who are the candidates to replace Jonathan Gannon?
Aside from the informal communication with Harbaugh, the Cardinals have interviewed or requested interviews with the following coaches.
Denver Broncos DC Vance JosephMiami Dolphins DC Anthony WeaverKansas City Chiefs OC Matt NagySan Francisco 49ers DC Robert SalehSeattle Seahawks OC Klint KubiakFormer Atlanta Falcons HC Raheem MorrisNew England Patriots passing game coordinator/tight ends coach Thomas BrownGreen Bay Packers DC Jeff HafleyLos Angeles Rams OC Mike LaFleurLos Angeles Rams DC Chris ShulaHouston Texans DC Matt BurkeLos Angeles Chargers DC Jesse Minter
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