Ravens Name Jesse Minter Head Coach In Bold Move

The Baltimore Ravens have made a bold move to reshape the future of their franchise, announcing the hiring of Jesse Minter as their new head coach. The decision, confirmed on January 22, 2026, marks a significant shift for a team steeped in tradition, as Minter becomes only the fourth head coach in the Ravens’ 31-year history—and, at 42, their youngest ever. The move comes just over two weeks after the organization parted ways with longtime leader John Harbaugh, who had guided the Ravens for 18 seasons, collecting 193 wins and a Super Bowl title along the way.

Minter, who most recently served as the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, will take the helm on a five-year contract, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. His hiring caps a meticulous search that included interviews with 16 candidates and second rounds with Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady. According to a team source cited before the process began, Minter was already considered “a legitimate genius,” with strong support from his previous stint in Baltimore’s coaching ranks.

“I am truly honored to serve as the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens,” Minter said in a statement released by the team. “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’s journey to the top job in Baltimore is a story of persistence, adaptability, and deep football roots. His NFL career began with the Ravens back in 2017, when he joined John Harbaugh’s staff as a defensive assistant. Over the next three years, he climbed the ladder, moving to assistant defensive backs coach and, in 2020, to defensive backs coach. During his tenure, the Ravens’ defense ranked sixth in pass defense and second in third-down conversion rate—a testament to Minter’s tactical acumen and developmental prowess.

After leaving Baltimore, Minter succeeded current Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald as Michigan’s defensive coordinator in 2022. There, he worked under Jim Harbaugh, leading the Wolverines to a national title in 2023. His success in Ann Arbor quickly translated to the NFL, as Minter followed Jim Harbaugh to the Chargers for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. The impact was immediate: in his first year, the Chargers’ defense led the league in fewest points allowed (17.7 per game) and ranked fifth in total defense (285.2 yards per game). Under his guidance, the Chargers were tied for second in interceptions (15) and eighth in takeaways (18) during the 2025 season.

“Jesse was impressive throughout our incredibly thorough interview process,” Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said in a statement. “He clearly understands the values, high expectations and history of the Ravens, and he has great vision for the future. Jesse’s football acumen is outstanding, and that’s been proven by the impact he’s made throughout his entire coaching career. He’s also a leader who will authentically connect with our players and inspire them to championship levels.”

The decision to bring in Minter comes at a crucial juncture for the Ravens. The team’s defense, long a hallmark of the franchise, struggled mightily this past season, finishing 24th in the league and giving up 354.5 yards per game. That’s only the third time in the past 25 years that Baltimore’s defense has finished outside the top 20—a statistic that surely weighed heavily on the front office’s mind during the search for Harbaugh’s successor.

Minter’s defensive pedigree isn’t just about numbers; it’s about culture. His return to Baltimore is something of a homecoming, and his familiarity with the organization’s ethos is expected to pay dividends. Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta echoed this sentiment, stating, “Jesse is a strong leader who possesses a brilliant football mind and a spirit that will resonate with our players and fan base alike. 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.”

One of Minter’s immediate priorities will be forging a strong relationship with quarterback Lamar Jackson. The two share some history: in 2018, Minter worked with Jackson as the scout team quarterback during his rookie season. Jackson, a two-time NFL MVP, is coming off one of his toughest campaigns, and the Ravens’ hopes for a return to postseason form may hinge on how well Minter can reinvigorate the offense while shoring up the defense.

The search for stability is nothing new in Baltimore. Over the past 27 years, the Ravens have had just two head coaches—Brian Billick and John Harbaugh—both of whom delivered Super Bowls within their first five seasons. The bar is set high, but Minter’s track record suggests he’s more than up to the challenge. His appointment also marks a departure from previous head coaches, as he is the first in franchise history to rise through the ranks as a defensive specialist. Previous head coaches came from offensive or special teams backgrounds, with Billick and Harbaugh making names for themselves on the other side of the ball.

The coaching carousel doesn’t stop in Baltimore. Minter becomes the fifth NFL head coach hired this offseason, joining John Harbaugh (now with the New York Giants), Kevin Stefanski (Atlanta Falcons), Robert Saleh (Tennessee Titans), and Jeff Hafley (Miami Dolphins). The Chargers, meanwhile, find themselves in a bind, needing to replace both their offensive and defensive coordinators after a disappointing playoff exit. Former Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel is expected to take over as offensive coordinator in Los Angeles, according to ESPN’s Schefter and Jeff Darlington.

Minter’s decision to accept the Ravens job came swiftly. He was scheduled to interview for the Cleveland Browns head coaching vacancy on January 22 but canceled after learning that Baltimore was set to offer him the top position. That move underscored his commitment to the Ravens and the strong mutual interest that had developed throughout the hiring process.

Looking back, the Ravens’ firing of John Harbaugh on January 6, 2026, was a watershed moment for the franchise. Despite his storied run—highlighted by a Super Bowl championship in 2012—recent seasons were marked by postseason frustration. Since drafting Lamar Jackson in 2018, Baltimore has won 86 games, the third most in the NFL over that period, but has only managed three playoff victories and never advanced beyond the AFC Championship game under Harbaugh’s leadership.

With Minter now at the reins, the Ravens are betting on a blend of youth, experience, and defensive mastery to restore their reputation as one of the NFL’s elite. The front office, players, and fans alike will be watching closely as Minter sets out to write the next chapter in Baltimore football. The stage is set, the expectations are sky-high, and the city is ready to rally behind its new leader.

As the NFL offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Baltimore to see how Jesse Minter’s vision takes shape. One thing’s for sure: change is in the air, and the Ravens are chasing greatness once again.