The AFC North is going through a serious facelift this offseason - and not just in Pittsburgh. While the Steelers continue their search for a new head coach, they’re not alone.
The Browns are also still in the market for a fresh leader on the sideline. But over in Baltimore, the Ravens have already made their move - and it’s a bold one.
On Thursday, the Ravens hired Jesse Minter as their new head coach. If that name rings a bell, it should.
Minter was most recently the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, but he’s no stranger to Baltimore. He spent four seasons as a defensive assistant under John Harbaugh from 2017 to 2020.
Now, he returns to Charm City - this time, to run the whole show.
What makes this hire particularly interesting is the direction the Ravens chose. With Lamar Jackson at quarterback, some expected Baltimore to lean toward an offensive-minded head coach - someone to further unlock the MVP’s full potential. But the Ravens zagged when many expected them to zig, prioritizing the other side of the ball.
And honestly, it makes a lot of sense.
Despite having elite defensive talent like Kyle Hamilton and Roquan Smith, Baltimore’s defense hasn’t consistently lived up to its billing in recent years. Injuries have played a role, sure, but even when healthy, the unit has struggled to put it all together when it matters most. That’s a problem for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
Enter Minter, who just led a Chargers defense that quietly ranked top five in several key categories this past season. His track record suggests he knows how to get the most out of his players - and more importantly, how to build a cohesive, high-performing unit.
Before his stop in L.A., Minter served as the defensive coordinator at Michigan under Jim Harbaugh from 2022 to 2023, helping the Wolverines become one of the most dominant defenses in college football. That stint, combined with his earlier years in Baltimore, gives him a deep understanding of both the Ravens’ culture and the Harbaugh coaching tree.
This hire isn’t just about X’s and O’s - it’s about identity. The Ravens have long prided themselves on defense.
From Ray Lewis to Ed Reed to Terrell Suggs, Baltimore has built its legacy on physical, disciplined, playmaking defense. Minter’s return could be the spark that reignites that fire.
So while the Steelers and Browns continue to sort out their coaching situations, the Ravens have made their move. And if Minter can deliver on his potential, Baltimore might just be getting back to what it does best - winning with defense.