Updated Jan. 15, 2026, 4:05 p.m. ET
The Atlanta Falcons have completed an eighth interview for their head coaching vacancy, meeting with Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter on Thursday afternoon. Minter has spent the last two years on Jim Harbaugh’s staff in Los Angeles.
In 2025, the Chargers defense allowed the ninth-fewest points in the NFL (20 per game), and finished in the top 10 in both rushing and passing yards allowed per game. Minter has a wealth of experience since starting his coaching career in 2006. Prior to taking over in Los Angeles, Minter was the defensive coordinator at the University of Michigan from 2022-2023.
Michigan’s defense was the best in the nation in 2023, and helped the team secure a National Championship victory over Michael Penix Jr.’s Washington Huskies. Before that, Minter spent one season at Vanderbilt and four years with the Baltimore Ravens.
The Falcons also interviewed Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley for their head coach vacancy on Thursday morning. Check out the updated list of head coach interviews below.
Falcons’ completed head coach interviews | As of Jan. 15 (3:10 p.m. ET)Jesse Minter (Chargers DC)Jeff Hafley (Packers DC)Mike McDaniel (former Dolphins HC)John Harbaugh (former Ravens HC)Kevin Stefanski (former Browns HC)Klint Kubiak (Seahawks OC)Anthony Weaver (Dolphins DC)Aden Durde (Seahawks DC)Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
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