2025 marked a new era in many respects for the Chargers. First-time general manager Joe Hortiz was brought in to pair with head coach Jim Harbaugh, who revamped the team’s staff. 
That process included bringing in familiar faces for offensive (Greg Roman) and defensive (Jessie Minter) coordinators. Los Angeles’ defense improved from No. 24 in points allowed in 2023 under Derrick Ansley to No. 1 in Minter’s first season at the helm of the unit. Another strong season could result in head coaching interest.
The Athletic’s Jeff Howe names Minter as one of the top candidates to watch regarding future head coaches (subscription required). An NFL executive was “adamant” Minter will be leading a team as early as the 2026 campaign. The 42-year-old has been in coaching dating back to 2006.
Minter worked his way to the coordinator level in college before joining John Harbaugh‘s Ravens staff in 2017. A four-year Baltimore stint was followed by a return to the college ranks, and Minter spent one season as Vanderbilt’s defensive coordinator before holding that same position at Michigan for the 2022 and ’23 seasons. After winning the national championship with the Wolverines, Minter followed (Jim) Harbaugh to the Chargers last offseason.
Los Angeles ranked a middling 14th against the run in 2024, something which contributed to an 11th-place finish in total defense. The team posted a No. 7 rank against the pass, though, and after making a number of moves in the secondary this spring expectations will remain high in that regard. The Chargers reached the postseason with a record of 11-6 despite playing in the highly competitive AFC West.
The division figures to once again offer a number of challenges in 2025. The Bolts are among the contenders to take a step forward regarding postseason success this year; if that takes place (or at least if the team remains effective on defense), it would come as little surprise if Minter were to receive interest for one or more head coaching vacancies next winter.
Nobody cares who this DC is. Keep plugging away Adam La Rose
Why be a prick?
I care
Minter did a great job last year, much better than expected from a first time college DC, but this would be wayyy too early. Do I believe that this will happen? Sure, absolutely. Do I think it sets Minter up for success? No, I do not.
The modern NFL is obsessed with moving faster at any cost, so coordinators rarely stay in one place, but having only one or two years as a DC (especially coming straight from college) really doesn’t provide many learning opportunities for the potential new coach. Sometimes you get successful candidates, but often you don’t. Let’s at least see more from Minter before we declaring him in charge of an organization…
Getting a HC job in the NFL is all about networking with the right connections and as you pointed out that usually requires a few stops in different organizations, building a resume along the way.
This feels like Minter hired a marketing firm to promote him. lol. If an NFL executive was “adamant” that Minter would be a HC in 2026 why did he choose to remain anonymous?