Jesse Minter Off the Board as Michigan’s Coaching Search Continues
Michigan’s search for its next head football coach just got a little narrower.
With Kenny Dillingham staying put at Arizona State and Alabama’s win over Oklahoma last week potentially impacting other coaching dominoes, the Wolverines are working their way down a list that’s been shifting by the day. And now, another high-profile name is off the board: Jesse Minter.
Minter, who helped architect Michigan’s national championship-winning defense in 2023, had long been considered a possible candidate for the head coaching job in Ann Arbor. But according to reports, he’s not in the mix - and likely won’t be.
Let’s break that down.
After guiding one of the most dominant defenses in college football, Minter followed Jim Harbaugh to the NFL, taking over as defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers. Fast forward two seasons, and the Chargers are sitting at 11-4 - and Minter’s stock is rising fast. He’s not just a respected coordinator anymore; he’s a legitimate candidate for an NFL head coaching gig.
And that’s exactly why Michigan fans shouldn’t be shocked to see his name scratched off the list. Minter is trending toward becoming a head coach at the next level, and that timeline could accelerate as soon as this offseason. When you’re in that kind of position - with NFL teams circling - it’s hard to imagine a return to the college game, even for a program like Michigan.
Let’s be clear: if Minter had wanted the Michigan job, the opportunity likely would’ve been there after the 2023 title run. But his path was always pointing toward Sundays. His defensive acumen, leadership presence, and NFL-ready mindset made that obvious.
So where does that leave Michigan?
One name still floating near the top of the conversation is Jeff Brohm. The Louisville head coach is drawing interest, but he’s also coaching at his alma mater - a factor that could make him tough to pry away, just like Dillingham staying loyal to Arizona State.
Whether it ends up being Brohm or someone else, Michigan’s decision could come as soon as this week. But if not, the search may bleed into next week as the Wolverines continue to weigh their options.
For now, one thing is certain: Jesse Minter won’t be walking back through the doors at Schembechler Hall. His next chapter looks like it’ll be written on an NFL sideline - and Michigan will have to keep turning the page in its hunt for a new leader.