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Former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Hasrbaugh during a Novermber 23, 2025 game.
The Baltimore Ravens have prided themselves on stability and an established culture. Former head coach John Harbaugh praised head coach Jesse Minter for that and more. Even after the team fired him, Harbaugh extolled Minter’s talents, citing a decades-long friendship. In an interview with Ryan Ripken, the New York Giants head coach, he discussed Minter’s preparedness for the moment.
John Harbaugh on Ravens new HC Jesse Minter and all the incredible experience he has:
“I’ve known him since he was 10… It’s in his DNA, and you know, and not just that, but he’s smart, he works hard, he’s got great people skills, he’s had success… He’s so ready, I really… pic.twitter.com/roysXFjQ57
— Ryan Ripken (@ryanripkenshow) February 11, 2026
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“Jesse Minter, I’ve known him since he was 10 or 11 years old. He was a coach’s kid. Jim and I did the same thing with our dad. I coached for his dad at Cincinnati. When I left for Indiana, the coach that replaced me was Mike Tomlin. This kid, it’s in his DNA, and not just that, he’s smart, works hard, and has great people skills. He’s so ready. I really like the hire. Jesse will put his stamp on it, his personality. He’ll do a great job. I’m proud of Jesse.”
GettyRavens head coach Jesse Minter during his tenure as Los Angles Chargers defensive coordinator.
Minter-Harbaugh Connection History Opened Door to Future Success
The new Ravens head coach is the son of former coach Rick Minter. Minter served as the head coach for the University of Cincinnati from 1994 to 2003. The younger Minter has always stayed around the game since he was a child. His father has held coaching jobs for all but two seasons since 1977. Jesse grew up around the programs at Ball State, Notre Dame, and Cincinnati.
The Minter/Harbaugh families have serious coaching overlap. Jesse has worked for both Harbaugh brothers, filling a multitude of roles. As a result, the familiarity enabled mentorship, helping him climb through the ranks. Minter progressed from defensive assistant to head coach.
GettyBaltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter at his introductory press conference.
Father’s Defensive Approach Learned and Augmented
While the co-defensive coordinator at Kentucky, Minter’s father stressed communication above all else when it comes to executing the scheme. At his stops at Michigan and Los Angeles, the coach implements his father’s time-honored practice, making it an integral part of his approach. By all accounts, Minter is a teacher, a student of the Xs and Os, and exactly what owner Steve Bisciotti wanted.
GettyBaltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti and general manager Eric DeCosta have a conversation during a game in 2023.
Praise from Harbaugh Could Endear Minter to the Franchise While Bolstering His Own Reputation
After 18 seasons, the Ravens fired Harbaugh. After a Super Bowl victory and 12 playoff appearances, management decided to go in another direction. In most cases, you’d see a coach lash out or possess a brand of public vitriol leveled at his former team.
Yet Harbaugh not only took the high road but also went out to find a new job and kept his life moving forward. Instead of taking to social media to lambast the Ravens, Harbaugh seemed to take a more mature tone. With the Ravens in his rearview mirror, he took the time to look back without any perceived bitterness.
Furthermore, the vociferous support for the man who replaces him should endear him even more to the Ravens fanbase. In fact, when Harbaugh said that Minter would carry on the Ravens’ tradition, fans took to social media to respond.
You can see from these interviews he seems refreshed and not seeming like he’s burned out. It’s refreshing for both sides and truly was a win-win with moving on I believe. Truly wish him well!
— RavensFanRich (@RavensFanRich) February 11, 2026
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Harbaugh is gone. Minter took his place. Yet, with all the coaching changes and pending scheme implementations, the former coach believes the new coach was born for the job and understands how change could ultimately help the franchise.
Terrance Biggs Terrance started at heavy.com in January 2026
He is a veteran sportswriter with 12 years of experience, covering NFL, College, and MLB. Terrance has held positions at Sports Illustrated and Pro Football Sports Network. A graduate of Fort Hays State University with a bachelor’s in Communication, he is also a voting member of the Football Writers Association of America, United States Basketball Writers Association and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. More about Terrance Biggs
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