Baltimore Ravens Appoint Jesse Minter as Head Coach Following Harbaugh’s Exit
The Baltimore Ravens have appointed Jesse Minter as their new head coach following the departure of John Harbaugh. Minter, 42, was hired on a Thursday, just over two weeks after Harbaugh was let go. Minter’s familiarity with the organization stems from his previous four seasons as an NFL assistant with the Ravens, as well as his tenure as defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers over the past two years.
Baltimore Ravens Coaching Change
Steve Bisciotti, the Ravens’ owner, praised Minter’s impressive performance during the interview process. He noted Minter’s understanding of the team’s values and expectations, emphasizing that Minter has a vision for the future of the franchise.
Minter’s Background and Experience
- Minter has deep ties to football, being part of both John Harbaugh’s and his brother Jim Harbaugh’s coaching trees.
- Before his time at the Chargers, Minter served as Maryland’s defensive backs coach and then the defensive coordinator at Vanderbilt.
- He was then the defensive coordinator at the University of Michigan, where he contributed to the team winning the national championship in 2023.
With players like two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson, Minter’s immediate challenge will be to enhance Baltimore’s performance, particularly following a disappointing 2025 season where they missed the playoffs after struggling with injuries. Minter was also a sought-after candidate, recently withdrawing from consideration for the Cleveland Browns after initially interviewing.
The Ravens’ Coaching Search
Baltimore’s coaching search featured a breadth of candidates. The Ravens interviewed multiple individuals, including:
- Joe Brady
- Brian Flores
- Vance Joseph
- Kliff Kingsbury
- Kevin Stefanski (hired by Atlanta)
- Robert Saleh (hired by Tennessee)
Despite facing challenges in the last season, including a rocky start of 1-5, the Ravens still competed for the AFC North title, proving their resilience as an organization.
Looking Ahead
As Minter steps into this pivotal role, general manager Eric DeCosta commended his leadership and football knowledge. With a football legacy in his family, including his father Rick Minter’s extensive coaching background, Jesse Minter hopes to revitalize the team’s defensive strategy, especially after a season of inconsistency.
In Minter’s first year, the Ravens aim to regain their status as contenders, building on their history of excellence. The franchise is optimistic about the future under his guidance, and Minter is determined to lead Baltimore into a new chapter of success.
