The Chargers lost defensive coordinator Jesse Minter yesterday. One of the NFL’s top head coaching candidates of this year’s cycle is now in place with the Ravens. 
Los Angeles could look to Baltimore to find Minter’s replacement. The Chargers have requested an interview with Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr for their DC vacancy, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. Orr has held his current title with Baltimore for the past two years.
When Mike Macdonald departed to become head coach of the Seahawks in 2024, the Ravens took the familiar route of promoting from within. A former Baltimore linebacker, Orr took on the D-coordinator role as Macdonald’s replacement. The 33-year-old has been held in high regard in Baltimore throughout his tenures in the organization.
Orr struggled during his first season as DC. Changes were made along the sidelines and on the field which brought about a turnaround, though. The Ravens finished 2024 ranked ninth in points allowed. This season, things did not go according to plan. Orr’s unit consistently struggled, albeit with injuries partially to blame. Baltimore dropped to 18th in scoring defense in 2025.
That did not stop Orr from receiving external DC interest. The former UDFA interviewed with the Cowboys for their D-coordinator gig before Dallas ultimately hired Christian Parker for the role. Orr’s Ravens status remains unclear at this point with Minter likely to handle play-calling duties in Baltimore. He and Orr worked together from 2017-20.
The Chargers have Steve Clinkscale – who served as a co-DC alongside Minter at Michigan under Jim Harbaugh – in place as a strong internal replacement candidate. Los Angeles is required to conduct at least one interview with an external minority candidate, however. The team requested an interview with Rams defensive pass-game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant. Orr is now in position to receive a look as well, and it will be interesting to see if the Chargers find themselves in position to bring in Baltimore’s DC in the wake of Minter joining the Ravens.
They want to interview the worst DC in the league? Bailed out by Pagano twice. Weird decision.
I have faith that Zach Orr will become a good defensive coordinator, but after last season, all I have is faith.