Jim Harbaugh will have to search for a new defensive coordinator after Jesse Minter is set to take the Baltimore Ravens head coaching job.
Minter is taking over a franchise he knows well, having spent four seasons in Baltimore from 2017–2020 in various roles before heading to Vanderbilt for one year and then the University of Michigan. He now replaces his former boss, John Harbaugh, who led the Ravens for 18 seasons.
The 42-year-old head coach inherits a playoff-caliber roster led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, running back Derrick Henry, and wide receiver Zay Flowers on offense.
Defensively, Minter will work with a centerpiece in safety Kyle Hamilton, a versatile chess piece who mirrors the role Derwin James played in Minter’s Chargers scheme. While Baltimore has several playmakers on that side of the ball, the unit is coming off a down year and is in need of a revamp.
Since arriving in Los Angeles alongside Jim Harbaugh, Minter quickly transformed the Chargers’ defense from a bottom-tier unit into one of the NFL’s elite. The Chargers finished with the league’s top scoring defense in 2024 and ranked ninth in 2025. They were 11th in yards allowed in 2024 before jumping into the top five in 2025.
Players such as Teair Tart, Tuli Tuipulotu, Odafe Oweh, and Daiyan Henley flourished under Minter’s system, development that should translate well in Baltimore. That growth will be especially valuable for a Ravens defense that finished middle of the pack in points allowed, yards allowed, sacks, and third-down defense.
Jessica Cryderman – The Sporting Tribune
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker, Daiyan Henley (0) celebrates with teammate Derwin James Jr. during an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders on November 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA.
For the Chargers, the loss is significant. Minter didn’t just coordinate the defense — he revolutionized it.
Internally, the Chargers could look to defensive line coach Mike Elston or defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale. External options include former Ravens defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, who previously served as Baltimore’s assistant head coach and later as the Dolphins’ defensive coordinator under Mike McDaniel, now reportedly the Chargers’ offensive coordinator. Another name to watch is former Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, who also has ties to the Ravens organization.
There will be no shortage of options, and Harbaugh is expected to cast a wide net, much like he did in his offensive coordinator search.
The Chargers are scheduled to travel to Baltimore to face the Ravens in 2026, setting up a compelling “master vs. apprentice” matchup at M&T Bank Stadium.
It will also be worth watching how Minter fills out his staff in Baltimore and how Harbaugh reshapes the rest of his defensive staff in Los Angeles.