Ravens hire Chargers' Jesse Minter as head coach

The Baltimore Ravens hired Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter as their new head coach and agreed to a five-year contract.

The Baltimore Ravens announced they have hired Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter as their new head coach. The move follows the franchise's decision to part ways with John Harbaugh after 18 seasons. Minter returns to Baltimore after earlier stints with the team and brings recent experience as a defensive coordinator in college and the NFL. He has signed a five-year contract and becomes the fourth head coach in Ravens history. Key details: - Jesse Minter is 42 years old and will be the youngest head coach in Ravens history. - He is joining Baltimore on a five-year contract, sources reported. - Minter was the Chargers' defensive coordinator and previously worked under Jim Harbaugh at Michigan and earlier under John Harbaugh in Baltimore. - The Ravens interviewed 16 candidates and brought several back for second interviews, including Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady. - Last season the Chargers' defense ranked fifth in the NFL by yards per game and led the league in fewest points allowed in 2024; the Ravens' defense finished the most recent season 24th in yards per game. - The hiring follows Baltimore's firing of John Harbaugh on Jan. 6 after the team missed the playoffs. Summary: Minter’s appointment returns a coach with prior Baltimore experience and a defensive background to lead the team, and he will face priorities that include postseason performance and working with quarterback Lamar Jackson. The Chargers will need to replace coordinators this offseason after earlier staff changes. Undetermined at this time.