Jesse Minter Likely Joining Ravens, Says La Canfora
The Baltimore Ravens are reportedly nearing a decision on their next head coach, with Jesse Minter being a strong frontrunner. According to NFL reporter Jason La Canfora, multiple executives believe Minter, currently the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, is the favorite to fill the position left by John Harbaugh.
Jesse Minter: Strong Candidate for Ravens
Minter has an established connection to the Ravens, having served as a defensive assistant in Baltimore from 2017 to 2020. His successful tenure at Michigan, which included winning a national title, contributed to his rise in the NFL coaching ranks.
- Minter’s NFL experience includes:
- Defensive Coordinator for Los Angeles Chargers
- Former defensive assistant with Baltimore Ravens
- Coaching at Michigan with success
La Canfora’s tweet indicated the expectation of Minter being hired, stating, “The industry also expected Minter in BAL before Harbaugh was let go.” Minter is scheduled to conduct interviews with the Las Vegas Raiders and the Ravens shortly, adding to the belief that his appointment is imminent.
Pittsburgh Steelers’ Coaching Search
As Ravens focus on Minter, the Pittsburgh Steelers are left with only seven coaching candidates after Jeff Hafley accepted a position with the Miami Dolphins. The Steelers had initially interviewed Minter virtually but have not pursued a second meeting.
The remaining coaching candidates for the Steelers include:
- Mike McCarthy
- Brian Flores
- Chris Shula
- Nate Scheelhaase
- Anthony Weaver
- Ejiro Evero
- Klay Kubiak
While the Steelers have mostly conducted virtual interviews, Minter’s potential transition to the Ravens may affect their search strategy moving forward. Both McCarthy and Flores have in-person meetings lined up, indicating a competitive coaching landscape.
Minter’s Coaching Background
At just 42 years old, Minter has built a solid reputation as one of the top defensive minds in the league. The Chargers achieved impressive defensive rankings during his tenure, finishing with the top scoring defense in 2024 and among the top 10 in 2025. His connections in NFL coaching include ties to Mike Tomlin through family history, suggesting a well-rounded understanding of competitive dynamics in the league.
As the Ravens approach a decision, the impact of Minter’s potential hiring could reshape the coaching framework of their division rivals, particularly the Steelers, in the seasons to come.
