The Raiders are deep into their head coaching search, and the latest development signals they're getting serious about narrowing the field.
Jesse Minter, the Chargers’ defensive coordinator, has officially completed his second interview with Las Vegas. That’s a significant step - not just for Minter, but for a Raiders organization that’s now taken a hard look at 14 different candidates in this hiring cycle.
Of those 14, two - Kevin Stefanski and Jeff Hafley - are already off the board, having taken jobs elsewhere. Hafley, notably, was on the Raiders’ shortlist for a second interview before accepting a role with the Dolphins. That leaves Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero as the only other known candidate scheduled for a second meeting with the team.
Minter’s name is gaining traction across the league. In addition to the Raiders, both the Ravens and Browns have lined up second interviews with him.
That kind of demand speaks volumes about his reputation and the impression he’s made in this hiring cycle. And for the Chargers, it could mean they’ll soon be shopping for a new defensive coordinator if Minter lands a head coaching gig.
The Raiders, meanwhile, appear to be zeroing in on finalists. With multiple second interviews now in the books, the next head coach in Las Vegas could be announced sooner rather than later.