Ravens hire Jesse Minter as next head coach, replacing John Harbaugh
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The Baltimore Ravens’ replacement for John Harbaugh is someone who was once on their staff.
Former Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, who has been working alongside Harbaugh’s younger brother, Jim, since their days at Michigan, will sign a five-year contract to be the team’s next head coach, the Ravens announced Thursday.
For Minter, it’s a coming full circle moment because his first NFL job was with Harbaugh in 2017 as a 34-year-old defensive assistant. Years later, he’s ready to take on the biggest job of his coaching career.
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Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter walks on the field before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders in Inglewood, California, on Nov. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong, File)
“I am truly honored to serve as head coach of the Baltimore Ravens,” Minter said in a statement posted by the team on social media. “This is an organization whose values, culture and tradition of excellence reflect everything I believe about football and how it should be played.
“My family and I are thrilled to join the Ravens group, and we look forward to making the fans, the great city of Baltimore and Maryland proud.”
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta also released a statement regarding the hiring of Minter.
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“Jesse is a strong leader who possesses a brilliant football mind and spirit that will resonate with both our players and our fan base,” the statement said. “Jesse comes from a football family, with success at all levels of the sport, and we are confident he is the right coach to guide the Ravens forward.
“Congratulations to Jesse and his wife, Rachelle, and the entire Minter family. It’s time to get to work!”
There were some rumors that Minter might accept a job shortly after Cleveland.com reported that Minter canceled his second interview to fill the Cleveland Browns’ head coaching vacancy. He will now see the Browns twice a year with the Ravens in the AFC North.
The Ravens surprised many when they let John Harbaugh go after 18 seasons and a Super Bowl title under his belt. Harbaugh led the Ravens to 12 playoff appearances, including six of the last eight seasons.
But after a Week 18 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers that cost the Ravens an AFC North title and, in turn, a playoff berth, owner Steve Bisciotti went in a different direction.
Jesse Minter of the Los Angeles Chargers on the sidelines during a preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on August 17, 2024, in Inglewood, California. (Ric Tapia/Getty Images)
Since Harbaugh was the first head coaching candidate off the list, landing with the New York Giants, Baltimore took its time interviewing top candidates, including Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady.
In the end, Minter was the man who impressed Bisciotti and the rest of the organization.
“Jesse was impressive during our incredibly thorough interview process. He clearly understands the Ravens’ values, high expectations and history, and has a great vision for the future,” Bisciotti said in a statement. “Jesse’s football acumen is outstanding, and that has been demonstrated by the impact he has had throughout his entire coaching career. He is also a leader who will authentically connect with our players and inspire them to championship levels.”
Minter’s coaching career began at Notre Dame as a defensive intern in 2006. He made stops at Cincinnati, Indiana State and Georgia State before Harbaugh hired him in 2017 as a defensive assistant.
Minter spent four seasons working with Baltimore and eventually became its defensive backs coach in 2020. But a defensive coordinator job came calling at Vanderbilt the following year and he accepted it.
Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter before a game against the New England Patriots on Dec. 28, 2024, at Gillette Stadium in Newsborough, Mass. (Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
After having success there, Jim Harbaugh wanted Minter to lead his defense in Ann Arbor with the Wolverines. Minter’s defense became a formidable force for the Wolverines, who won the national championship during the 2023 season.
When Jim Harbaugh accepted the job with the Chargers the following year, he took Minter with him to lead his defense. Los Angeles finished 11th in yards allowed per game (324.4) in 2024 with just 17.7 points allowed per game, the best mark in the NFL.
The Chargers were even better in yards allowed in 2025, finishing fifth with 285.2 yards per game and ninth in points allowed with 20.
Baltimore struggled defensively this season, especially in the first half when the Ravens went 1-5. They finished with 354.5 yards allowed and 23.4 points allowed per game.
Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter during warmups prior to the NFL preseason game against the New Orleans Saint on August 10, 2025, in Inglewood, California. (Tony Ding/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Minter will look to improve that side of the ball in 2026 and beyond, with some young players worth building around, including Kyle Hamilton and Malachi Starks.
It will be interesting to see who Minter adds to his staff as offensive coordinator, which should be an attractive job considering the presence of MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson and All-Pro running back Derrick Henry.
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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for News Digital.