BUT FIRST PETE, THIS COMES AFTER AN EXTENSIVE SEARCH. SURE. DOES. JESSE. MENTOR UNDERSTANDS EXACTLY WHAT THE RAVENS STAND FOR, WHAT THEY EXPECT, AND HE NO DOUBT CONVINCED STEVE BISCIOTTI AND ERIC DECOSTA THAT HE KNOWS WHAT IT WILL TAKE TO GET THE RAVENS BACK TO THE SUPER BOWL. MINTZER, A FORMER ASSISTANT AND THE LAST TWO YEARS DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR FOR JIM HARBAUGH AND THE LOS ANGELES CHARGERS, IS NOW THE FOURTH HEAD COACH IN TEAM HISTORY. AT JUST 42 YEARS OF AGE. MENTOR IS THE YOUNGEST COACHING TEAM IN HISTORY, TWO THAT MATCHES THE TREND OF THE NFL. FIND A YOUNG, SUPER SMART COORDINATOR THAT ALSO SHOWS REAL LEADERSHIP QUALITIES AND GET HIM ON BOARD. YOU COULDN’T WATCH A CHARGERS GAME THE LAST TWO SEASONS WITHOUT THE ANNOUNCERS, AT SOME POINT SAYING HE’LL BE A HEAD COACH IN THE NFL VERY SOON. THEY WERE RIGHT. JESSE MENTOR HAS SPENT THE BULK OF HIS CAREER IN THE COLLEGE RANKS, BUT A PLAY CALLER ON DEFENSE AT INDIANA STATE, GEORGIA STATE, VANDERBILT AND MICHIGAN. HE’S BEEN A PLAY CALLER, AND HE SPENT FOUR SEASONS IN BALTIMORE AS AN ASSISTANT. OBVIOUSLY IMPRESSING THE FRONT OFFICE AS THE DEFENSIVE BACKS COACH, BUT MORE THAN THE RESUME, IT’S THE WAY PEOPLE TALK ABOUT HIM. THEY SAY HE’S SOMEONE WHO IS CLEARLY BRILLIANT, BUT ALSO SOMEONE WITH HUMILITY. MY FIRST SORT OF IMPRESSION OF JESSE WAS WHEN HE WAS HERE AS A YOUNG ASSISTANT COACH, AND WHAT I’VE SEEN IS TREMENDOUS GROWTH. HE’S BECOME ONE OF THE PREEMINENT DEFENSIVE PLAY CALLERS IN THE LEAGUE. AS A COORDINATOR, I THINK HE DOES A LOT WITH A LITTLE AT TIMES. I THINK HE HAS A GREAT FEEL FOR PERSONNEL. I THINK HE’S CREATIVE. I THINK HE’S GOT AN AUTHORITY TO HIM. I THINK HE HAS A PRESENCE ABOUT HIM. GREAT HUMILITY, PASSION FOR THE GAME. I THINK HE UNDERSTANDS THE RAVENS CULTURE AND THE DNA IN THIS BUILDING, AND I THINK HE’S THE RIGHT COACH FOR US. A FEW MORE QUOTES FROM THOSE THAT KNOW JESSE MENTOR WELL. FORMER RAVENS AND CHARGERS ALL-PRO SAFETY ERIC WEDDLE SAYS HE WILL HAVE THE SAME IMPACT AS MIKE M IN SEATTLE. MARK MY WORDS. GREAT HIRE. MIKE BEING MIKE MCDONALD, THE FORMER RAVENS DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR AND CURRENT CHARGERS ALL-PRO SAFETY. DERWIN JAMES SAYS, QUOTE, HE’S AN ALPHA. HE THAT DUDE EVERY DAY. YOU KNOW WHAT YOU’RE GOING TO GET FROM HIM. THE RAVENS HAVE TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED NEXT THURSDAY, JANUARY 29TH, TO INTRODUCE JESSE MINTER AS THE FOURTH HEAD COACH IN TEAM HISTORY. KAI. ALL RIGHT. A BIG DAY. PETE. THANK YOU. AND NOW WE CHECK IN ON WHAT THE FLOCK THINKS OF THIS NEW HIRE. KIM DACEY GOT REACTION FROM FANS. SHE JOINS US LIVE AT T BANK STADIUM. KIM, WHAT ARE THEY SAYING ABOUT THIS? WELL, KAI, THERE IS A LOT OF EXCITEMENT SURROUNDING THIS NEW HIRE. MINTER IS ONLY THE FOURTH HEAD COACH IN RAVENS HISTORY, AND FANS HOPE HE WILL BRING A NEW LIFE TO THE TEAM. SO JESSE MINTER, NEW RAVENS HEAD COACH, WHAT DO YOU THINK? SOUNDS GREAT. I DON’T KNOW WHO HE IS, BUT I LOVE THAT FOR HIM. BUT JESSE MINTER WILL SOON BECOME A HOUSEHOLD NAME IN BALTIMORE THURSDAY, THE RAVENS ANNOUNCED THE DEFENSIVE COACH FROM THE L.A. CHARGERS IS TAKING OVER THE HELM. I’M EXCITED. HE’S YOUNG, HE’S TALENTED. HE’S BEEN PROVEN. HE OBVIOUSLY CAME FROM MICHIGAN. THE CHARGERS. HE HAD A GREAT DEFENSE OVER THERE, SOMETHING I FEEL LIKE THE RAVENS IDENTITY, WHICH WE’VE BEEN MISSING FOR SO LONG I THINK IT’S A GREAT MOVE FOR THE RAVENS. I LIKE HIS THE WAY HE BRINGS THAT DEFENSIVE PRESENCE TO THE TEAM. I THINK OVERALL IT’S GOING TO HELP OUT. MINTER BRINGS PLENTY OF COACHING EXPERIENCE WITH HIM, AND HE’S NO STRANGER TO BALTIMORE. HE WORKED AS AN ASSISTANT DEFENSIVE COACH UNDER JOHN HARBAUGH FROM 2017 TO 2020. I THINK IT’S GOOD TO BRING HIM BACK HOME, BRING A GUY BACK HOME THAT KNOWS BALTIMORE WELL, THAT WANT TO REALLY SUPPORT THE TEAM AND REALLY GET THE YOUNG GUYS GOING, MAN, I’M EXCITED FOR IT. IT’S A GOOD LOOK. BUT NOT EVERY FAN THINKS IT’S A GOOD THING THAT HE WORKED UNDER JOHN. AND ALSO JIM HARBAUGH. GERALD JONES THINKS IT MIGHT NOT BE ENOUGH OF A CHANGE. IT’S LIKE WE JUST FIRED HARBAUGH AND IT’S LIKE, WHY ARE WE HIRING SOMEBODY OFF THE STREET? IF THAT WAS THE CASE, WE SHOULD’VE KEPT HARBAUGH INSTEAD OF JUST GETTING SOMEONE WHO’S YOUNGER OFF THE STREET. BUT OVERALL, FANS ARE EXCITED FOR THIS NEW CHAPTER FOR THE RAVENS. THEY SAY IF WE DRAFT WELL AND USE THE OFFSEASON TO PREPARE, THE TEAM COULD HAVE A GREAT SEASON. GET HIM PASS RUSHERS, GIVE HIM THE ELITE DEFENSE HE NEEDS BECAUSE YOU ALREADY HAVE THE QUARTERBACK IN PLACE, RIGHT? THE OFFENSE IS THERE. YOU GET THAT DEFENSE RIGHT, THEN WE’RE GOING TO BE RIGHT. AS WE MENTIONED, WE’RE EXPECTED TO HEAR MORE FROM THE RAVENS NEXT WEEK. REPORTING LIVE AT M T BANK STADIUM KIM DACEY WBAL TV 11 NEWS. ALL RIGHT KIM THANK YOU. WBAL TV 11 NEWS WAS THE FIRST TO SEND YOU PUSH ALERTS TO THIS STORY. YOU CAN FOLLOW REACTION AND
Ravens bring back familiar face, name Jesse Minter as franchise’s fourth head coach, team announces
Updated: 10:27 PM EST Jan 22, 2026
The Ravens have decided to go with a familiar face in former defensive coach Jesse Minter as the fourth head coach in the franchise’s history, the team announced Thursday. Minter comes from the Los Angeles Chargers, where he served as the team’s defensive coordinator the last two seasons under Jim Harbaugh.The new coach brings familiarity with the Ravens organization, where he served as a defensive assistant for four years from 2017-2020.Minter, the youngest coach the Ravens have hired in franchise history, also has championship experience. He helped lead Michigan to a National Championship in the 2023 college football season as the program’s defensive coordinator.His hiring matches the trend of the NFL: Find the young, super smart coordinator that also shows real leadership qualities, and get them on board.He’ll have big shoes to fill in Baltimore after the team parted ways with longtime coach John Harbaugh.Still, while speaking to the media after Harbaugh’s firing, Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said he’ll be patient with whoever steps into the role. Minter, having experience already as a member of the team’s staff, understands exactly what Baltimore stands for.Those who know Minter rave about him. Former Ravens and Chargers All-Pro Safety Eric Weddle likened the “great hire” to that of Mike Macdonald, who has the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship game in his second season with the team.”He’s an alpha. He that dude. Every day you know what you’re going to get with him,” said Chargers All-Pro safety Derwin James.Team officials, Minter react to hiringIn a statement posted to X, Minter said:”I am truly honored to serve as head coach of the Baltimore Ravens.”This is an organization whose values, culture and tradition of excellence reflect everything I believe about the game of football and how it should be played.”My family and I are thrilled to join the Ravens flock, and we can’t wait to make the fans, the great city of Baltimore and Maryland proud.”In a statement, Ravens general manager DeCosta said, in part:”Jesse is a strong leader who possesses a brilliant football mind and a spirit that will resonate with our players and fanbase alike. Jesse comes from a football family, with success at every level of the sport, and we are confident he is the right coach to lead the Ravens forward. Congratulations to Jesse and his wife, Rachelle, and the entire Minter Family. It’s time to get to work!”Bisciotti also chimed in on the announcement, saying:”Jesse was impressive throughout our incredibly thorough interview process. He clearly understands the values, high expectations and history of the ravens, and he has a great vision for the future. Jesse’s football acumen is outstanding, and that’s been proven by the impact he’s made throughout his entire coaching career. He is also a leader who will authentically connect with our players and inspire them to championship levels.”I want to thank Eric DeCosta, Sashi Brown and our entire selection committee for the work they poured into this process. It was clear to us that Jesse is a special talent who has what it takes to lead us as head coach of the Ravens.”I watched Eric work closely with John Harbaugh for years. It was evident how excited he and Sashi are to now partner with Jesse as our organization strives to chase championships.”Fans react to Minter’s hiringFans who spoke with WBAL-TV 11 News about the hire on Thursday expressed tons of excitement.”I’m excited. He’s young, he’s talented, he has been proven,” said Mike Cornblatt, a Ravens fan. “He obviously came from Michigan, the Chargers had a great defense over there, which is something the Ravens, I feel like we’ve been missing for so long.”Others, like Katia Mohr, are just excited that Minter got a chance to be a head coach.”Sounds great. I don’t know who he is, but I love that for him,” Mohr said.Rashard Davis is excited for Minter’s return to the city.”I think it’s a great move for the Ravens. I like that he brings a defensive presence to the team. I think, overall, it’s going to help out,” Davis said.”I think it’s good to bring him back home. Bring a guy back home that knows Baltimore well, that really wants to come support the team, get the young guys going. I’m excited. It’s a good look,” said Clarence Hicks.However, not all fans are convinced that Minter’s previous experience under the Harbaugh brothers is beneficial.”It’s like, we just fired Harbaugh,” said Gerald Jones. “Why are we hiring someone off his tree, if that’s the case? We should’ve just kept Harbaugh instead of getting someone who’s younger off his tree.”Despite some skepticism, the overall sentiment among fans is one of excitement for the new chapter. Most fans believe that with a strong draft and offseason preparation, the Ravens could have a successful season.”Get him pass rushers, give him the elite defense he needs, because we already have the quarterback in place. The offense is there. You give him the defense, we’re going to be right,” Cornblatt said.
OWINGS MILLS, Md. —
The Ravens have decided to go with a familiar face in former defensive coach Jesse Minter as the fourth head coach in the franchise’s history, the team announced Thursday.
Minter comes from the Los Angeles Chargers, where he served as the team’s defensive coordinator the last two seasons under Jim Harbaugh.
The new coach brings familiarity with the Ravens organization, where he served as a defensive assistant for four years from 2017-2020.
Minter, the youngest coach the Ravens have hired in franchise history, also has championship experience. He helped lead Michigan to a National Championship in the 2023 college football season as the program’s defensive coordinator.
His hiring matches the trend of the NFL: Find the young, super smart coordinator that also shows real leadership qualities, and get them on board.
He’ll have big shoes to fill in Baltimore after the team parted ways with longtime coach John Harbaugh.
Still, while speaking to the media after Harbaugh’s firing, Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said he’ll be patient with whoever steps into the role.
Minter, having experience already as a member of the team’s staff, understands exactly what Baltimore stands for.
Those who know Minter rave about him. Former Ravens and Chargers All-Pro Safety Eric Weddle likened the “great hire” to that of Mike Macdonald, who has the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship game in his second season with the team.
“He’s an alpha. He that dude. Every day you know what you’re going to get with him,” said Chargers All-Pro safety Derwin James.
Team officials, Minter react to hiring
In a statement posted to X, Minter said:
“I am truly honored to serve as head coach of the Baltimore Ravens.”This is an organization whose values, culture and tradition of excellence reflect everything I believe about the game of football and how it should be played.”My family and I are thrilled to join the Ravens flock, and we can’t wait to make the fans, the great city of Baltimore and Maryland proud.”
In a statement, Ravens general manager DeCosta said, in part:
“Jesse is a strong leader who possesses a brilliant football mind and a spirit that will resonate with our players and fanbase alike. Jesse comes from a football family, with success at every level of the sport, and we are confident he is the right coach to lead the Ravens forward. Congratulations to Jesse and his wife, Rachelle, and the entire Minter Family. It’s time to get to work!”
Bisciotti also chimed in on the announcement, saying:
“Jesse was impressive throughout our incredibly thorough interview process. He clearly understands the values, high expectations and history of the ravens, and he has a great vision for the future. Jesse’s football acumen is outstanding, and that’s been proven by the impact he’s made throughout his entire coaching career. He is also a leader who will authentically connect with our players and inspire them to championship levels.”I want to thank Eric DeCosta, Sashi Brown and our entire selection committee for the work they poured into this process. It was clear to us that Jesse is a special talent who has what it takes to lead us as head coach of the Ravens.”I watched Eric work closely with John Harbaugh for years. It was evident how excited he and Sashi are to now partner with Jesse as our organization strives to chase championships.”Fans react to Minter’s hiring
Fans who spoke with WBAL-TV 11 News about the hire on Thursday expressed tons of excitement.
“I’m excited. He’s young, he’s talented, he has been proven,” said Mike Cornblatt, a Ravens fan. “He obviously came from Michigan, the Chargers had a great defense over there, which is something the Ravens, I feel like we’ve been missing for so long.”
Others, like Katia Mohr, are just excited that Minter got a chance to be a head coach.
“Sounds great. I don’t know who he is, but I love that for him,” Mohr said.
Rashard Davis is excited for Minter’s return to the city.
“I think it’s a great move for the Ravens. I like that he brings a defensive presence to the team. I think, overall, it’s going to help out,” Davis said.
“I think it’s good to bring him back home. Bring a guy back home that knows Baltimore well, that really wants to come support the team, get the young guys going. I’m excited. It’s a good look,” said Clarence Hicks.
However, not all fans are convinced that Minter’s previous experience under the Harbaugh brothers is beneficial.
“It’s like, we just fired Harbaugh,” said Gerald Jones. “Why are we hiring someone off his tree, if that’s the case? We should’ve just kept Harbaugh instead of getting someone who’s younger off his tree.”
Despite some skepticism, the overall sentiment among fans is one of excitement for the new chapter. Most fans believe that with a strong draft and offseason preparation, the Ravens could have a successful season.
“Get him pass rushers, give him the elite defense he needs, because we already have the quarterback in place. The offense is there. You give him the defense, we’re going to be right,” Cornblatt said.
Baltimore Ravens Knit Hat
Baltimore Ravens Long Sleeve 1/4 Zip Pullover
Baltimore Ravens Black Cuff Pom Knit Hat
Baltimore Ravens Light Weight Jacket