Ravens Hire Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter as Head Coach

The Baltimore Ravens announced Thursday that they have hired Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter as head coach. The 42-year-old signed a five-year deal, becoming the franchise’s fourth head coach in 31 years and its youngest. He succeeds John Harbaugh, dismissed after 18 seasons.

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John Harbaugh was fired on Jan. 6 after the Ravens missed the playoffs for the first time in four seasons, ending a tenure that included 193 wins and a 2012 Super Bowl title. The team interviewed 16 candidates, with second-round talks involving Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, before choosing Minter.

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Jesse Minter, 42, arrives from the Chargers after two seasons as their defensive coordinator. Owner Steve Bisciotti and GM Eric DeCosta oversaw the hire. Quarterback Lamar Jackson, a two-time MVP, will be central to the new regime.

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Minter led the Chargers to a fifth-ranked defense (285.2 yards per game) in 2023 and to the league-best points allowed (17.7 per game) in 2024, after inheriting a unit that had been 30th in yards per play (5.7) and points (24.8) three years earlier. The Ravens entered 2024 ranked 24th in yards allowed (354.5 per game), only the third time in 25 years the defense fell outside the top 20.

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The Ravens have won only three postseason games in eight seasons with quarterback Lamar Jackson, a shortfall tied to defensive lapses. Minter, the first Ravens head coach with a defensive pedigree, signals a shift toward rebuilding that unit and deepening his connection with Jackson, whom he first coached in 2018.

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Minter said he is honored to lead a franchise whose values match his football philosophy. Owner Steve Bisciotti praised Minter’s interview performance and his grasp of the Ravens’ culture, expectations and future vision. GM Eric DeCosta highlighted Minter’s leadership, football intellect and ability to connect with players and fans.

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• “I am truly honored to serve as the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens,” — Jesse Minter, head coach

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• “Jesse was impressive throughout our incredibly thorough interview process,” — Steve Bisciotti, owner

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• “Jesse is a strong leader who possesses a brilliant football mind and a spirit that will resonate with our players and fan base alike," Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement.” — Eric DeCosta, general manager

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• “a legitimate genius,” — unnamed team source

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The Chargers must replace both coordinators after Minter’s departure; offensive coordinator Greg Roman was already dismissed, and former Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel is expected to assume the offensive role. Minter joins a cohort of new NFL head coaches this offseason, including John Harbaugh (Giants), Kevin Stefanski (Falcons), Robert Saleh (Titans) and Jeff Hafley (Dolphins).

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