The Baltimore Ravens are turning the page in a big way.
After nearly two decades under John Harbaugh, the Ravens are handing the reins to Jesse Minter - a name that might not immediately ring bells for casual fans, but one that carries serious football pedigree and deep ties to the organization. Minter, who spent the last two seasons as the Los Angeles Chargers’ defensive coordinator, is now officially the head coach in Baltimore, signing a five-year deal to lead a franchise hungry to return to Super Bowl glory.
This is Minter’s first head coaching job - at any level - and while that might raise eyebrows, his resume tells a story of steady growth, defensive excellence, and a coaching journey that’s come full circle.
A Familiar Face Returns to Baltimore
Ravens fans who’ve been paying attention might recognize the name. Minter isn’t new to the building.
He served on the Ravens’ staff from 2017 to 2020, starting as a defensive assistant before working his way up to defensive backs coach. Those were formative years for both Minter and the Ravens’ secondary, and his familiarity with the organization’s culture and expectations likely played a key role in his return.
Now, he’s back - but this time, he’s sitting in the big chair.
From Wide Receiver to Defensive Mastermind
Minter’s path to this moment is anything but conventional. A former wide receiver at Mount St.
Joseph University from 2002 to 2005, he quickly transitioned into coaching, beginning as a defensive intern at Notre Dame in 2006. From there, he climbed the ladder with stops at Cincinnati, Indiana State, Georgia State, Vanderbilt, and Michigan, with each stop sharpening his defensive acumen.
At Georgia State, he turned heads by leading one of the top pass defenses in the FBS in 2016. But it was his time at Michigan that truly put him on the national radar. As Jim Harbaugh’s defensive coordinator, Minter helped guide the Wolverines to a national championship in 2023, crafting a dominant defense that powered an undefeated season.
When Harbaugh made the jump to the NFL with the Chargers in 2024, Minter followed - and once again delivered. His defenses in Los Angeles were no joke, finishing 11th in total defense in 2024 and climbing to fifth in 2025, allowing just 285.2 yards per game. That kind of year-over-year improvement is no accident - it’s the mark of a coach who knows how to build, adapt, and lead.
The Harbaugh Connection - and the Harbaugh Successor
It’s impossible to ignore the symmetry here. Minter worked under Jim Harbaugh at Michigan and the Chargers.
Now, he replaces Jim’s brother, John, in Baltimore. That connection may have helped open the door, but it’s Minter’s track record that earned him the job.
Replacing a figure like John Harbaugh - who brought a Super Bowl title to Baltimore and became a fixture on the Ravens’ sideline - is no small task. But Minter isn’t being asked to be John Harbaugh. He’s being asked to bring a fresh energy, to maximize a roster led by Lamar Jackson, and to help a franchise that’s consistently been in the playoff mix finally break through again.
Coaching Roots Run Deep
Football runs in the Minter bloodline. Jesse’s father, Rick Minter, was the head coach at Cincinnati from 1994 to 2003 and has held numerous roles across the college and pro ranks.
The two have often worked side by side - at Notre Dame, Indiana State, Georgia State, Michigan, and most recently with the Chargers, where Rick served as a senior defensive analyst. That mentorship and shared experience have helped shape Jesse’s coaching philosophy, blending old-school fundamentals with modern defensive strategy.
Timeline of a Rising Star
Let’s break down the key stops in Minter’s coaching journey:
- 2006: Began as a defensive intern at Notre Dame
- 2007-08: Graduate assistant at Cincinnati
- 2009-12: Linebackers coach, then defensive coordinator at Indiana State
- 2013-16: Defensive coordinator at Georgia State, where he helped build a top-10 FBS pass defense
- 2017-20: Joined the Ravens, rising from defensive assistant to defensive backs coach
- 2021: Defensive coordinator and safeties coach at Vanderbilt
- 2022-23: Defensive coordinator at Michigan, winning a national title and serving as interim head coach for one game
- 2024-25: Defensive coordinator for the Chargers, guiding a top-five NFL defense
- 2026-present: Head coach of the Baltimore Ravens
What Minter Brings to the Ravens
Baltimore’s defense took a step back last season, ranking in the bottom third of the league in yards allowed. That’s not the Ravens’ brand.
This is a franchise that built its identity on dominant, physical, and disciplined defense. Minter’s arrival signals a clear intent to restore that standard.
But his job isn’t just about defense. He’s now the CEO of the entire operation.
That means building a staff, managing in-game decisions, and most importantly, getting the most out of Lamar Jackson and the offense. Minter’s leadership style, shaped by years in both college and the pros, will be put to the test quickly.
At 42 years old - turning 43 in May - Minter becomes one of the youngest head coaches in the NFL. But he’s not green. He’s been in the trenches, developed talent, and earned the respect of players and coaches alike at every stop.
The Road Ahead
The Ravens didn’t make this move lightly. Firing a Super Bowl-winning coach like John Harbaugh is a seismic shift. But it’s clear the organization believes Minter is the right voice for the next chapter.
He inherits a team with a franchise quarterback, a competitive roster, and a fanbase that expects playoff runs - not just playoff appearances. The goal in Baltimore is always the same: bring the Lombardi Trophy back home.
Now, it’s Jesse Minter’s turn to try and finish the job.