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Inglewood, CA, Monday, December 8, 2025 – Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) celebrates with coach Jesse Minter after an interception against the Philadelphia Eagles at SoFi Stadium. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

The Baltimore Ravens have turned back to a familiar name for their next head coach, delivering a major blow to the Los Angeles Chargers. 

On Thursday, the Ravens officially hired Jesse Minter, most recently the Chargers’ defensive coordinator, as the franchise’s next head coach.

As Yahoo Sports noted, NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo all reported the move.

It was announced by the team minutes later. 

Rapoport called the hire “a big-time move in Baltimore.”

He noted that the Ravens moved quickly once it became clear Minter was their top target.

The decision even prompted Minter to cancel a second interview with the Cleveland Browns, allowing Baltimore to lock in its next head coach.

For the Chargers, this loss stings. 

Minter departs after orchestrating one of the NFL’s most productive defenses over the past two seasons. 

With the Chargers having just hired Mike McDaniel as their offensive coordinator on Tuesday, they will now search for a new defensive coordinator. 

Jesse Minter Returns to Baltimore

At age 42, Minter is no stranger to Baltimore.

Before joining Jim Harbaugh at Michigan and later the Chargers, Minter spent four seasons (2017-2020) on the Ravens’ staff. 

He was a defensive assistant under John Harbaugh. 

Baltimore’s front office viewed Minter as the rare candidate who could preserve the organization’s defensive identity while ushering the post-Harbaugh era. 

Since the start of the 2024 season, Minter’s Chargers defenses ranked top five in points allowed, total yards allowed, passing yards allowed, interceptions, and opponent red-zone efficiency. 

There’s a layer of irony in Minter’s rise.

He now leaves Jim Harbaugh’s staff to replace John Harbaugh, the same coach under whom he first climbed the NFL coaching ladder in Baltimore. 

Chargers Face Big Transition With Two New Coordinators

For Los Angeles, Minter’s departure means two new coordinators on both sides of the ball next season. 

The Chargers just hired Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator after Greg Roman was fired. 

Head coach Jim Harbaugh had consistently praised Minter’s defensive mind and acknowledged that losing him would be a big loss. 

With Jesse Minter gone, the Chargers enter the offseason prepared for a major decision. 

Both internal and external candidates are already emerging as logical options for the next DC position. 

Defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale and defensive line coach Mike Elston headline the internal possibilities. 

Both are viewed as continuity-driven choices after working closely with Minter in LA and previously at Michigan. 

Externally, Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, Colts assistant Chris Hewitt, and Rams pass-rush coordinator Drew Wilkins have been names connected to Harbaugh and the Chargers. 

Regardless of direction, the Chargers face massive shoes to fill after Minter’s departure.

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