The Baltimore Ravens have turned back to familiar roots in their search for a head coach. The team has hired Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter as their next leader, NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo reported. The Ravens quickly confirmed the hire, and Minter signed a five-year contract, according to Rapoport.
Minter, 42, becomes the fourth head coach in franchise history, succeeding Ted Marchibroda, Brian Billick and John Harbaugh, who was fired earlier this month. This marks Minter’s first head coaching role at any level.
“I am truly honored to serve as the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens,” Minter said in a statement on the team website. “This is an organization whose values, culture, and tradition of excellence reflect everything I believe about the game of football and how it should be played.”
Minter was among the most sought-after candidates this offseason, interviewing with the Falcons, Browns, Raiders, Dolphins, Steelers, and Titans, in addition to Baltimore. Ultimately, the Ravens moved quickly to secure someone who not only has an established defensive pedigree, but also deep ties to the organization.
His journey comes full circle. He spent four seasons under Jim Harbaugh, first at Michigan (2022–2023) and then with the Chargers (2024–2025). Before that, he worked under John Harbaugh in Baltimore from 2017–2020 as a defensive assistant, steadily climbing the ranks while remaining part of the Harbaugh coaching tree.
“Jesse is a strong leader who possesses a brilliant football mind and a spirit that will resonate with our players and fanbase alike,” said Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta. “Jesse comes from a football family, with success at every level of the sport, and we are confident that he is the right coach to lead the Ravens forward.”
Minter made a name for himself with the Chargers, helping build a defense that ranked top-five in points allowed, total yards, passing yards allowed, interceptions (34), and red-zone defense since 2024. His success on the defensive side of the ball helped him rise quickly as a head coaching candidate. The Ravens, familiar with Minter from his earlier stint in Baltimore, acted decisively, even prompting Minter to cancel a scheduled interview with the Browns to focus on the Baltimore opportunity.
While Baltimore is moving on from Harbaugh after nearly two decades of stability, hiring Minter allows the Ravens to maintain continuity within the Harbaugh coaching tree. The defensive-minded coach now inherits a team with high expectations and a winning tradition to uphold.
Minter will arrive in Baltimore with a familiar setting and a reputation for excellence, tasked with both preserving the franchise’s identity and forging a new era at the top.
