Media Reaction to Ravens Hiring Jesse Minter As Head Coach

The consensus was that the Ravens' head coaching job was the best of the 10 openings, and Jesse Minter was arguably the most sought-after candidate of the hiring cycle.

Given those perceptions, as well as Minter's history with the Ravens, Baltimore hiring him as the fourth head coach in franchise history on Thursday makes perfect sense.

The 42-year-old Minter, a defensive assistant with the Ravens from 2017-2020 and the defensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Chargers the past two seasons, was the odds-on favorite to get the Baltimore job from the start, but the Ravens cast a wide net, interviewing 20 candidates, according to General Manager Eric DeCosta.

Here's a look at what pundits are saying about the hire:

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer: "While this might seem like the obvious move because of Minter's background, I think it's also a really smart move for reasons other than his connections. … This is a guy who impressed a lot of people on the interview circuit. Why? Well, he's creative. He's got great coaching pedigree, having coached for John Harbaugh in Baltimore, having coached for Clark Lea at Vanderbilt, and then having coached for Jim Harbaugh both with Michigan and the Chargers. And he's got incredible emotional intelligence. That's another part of it that's going to be really important from a leadership perspective. This is a guy who's been able to connect with players, who's been able to get the most out of players. … I think this ends up looking like one of the smarter hires in the market, which shouldn't be any surprise because it's the Ravens."

Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano: "What makes Minter an excellent hire for Baltimore is that he's not married to a specific scheme and prioritizes the strengths of players. He helped safety Derwin James return to his All-Pro form, allowed linebacker Daiyan Henley to find his footing, turned Day 3 picks such as cornerbacks Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart into draft gems and guided edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu into a breakout 2025 season with 13 sacks. There are reasons why he's beloved in the building and why Chargers players are showering him with praise on social media after it was announced that he's headed to Baltimore. In two seasons with Minter, the Chargers allowed a league-best 17.7 points per game in 2024 and followed it up by allowing 20 points per game this past season."

NFL.com columnist Judy Battista: "This just felt like such a natural fit. … He knows everybody in the building. Maybe most importantly, he knows Lamar Jackson. He was a defensive assistant when Lamar Jackson was a rookie in 2018 and running the scout team offense for the first part of the season before he became the starter. So there is a preexisting relationship there."

The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec: "There are risks with every hire, particularly when it comes to a first-time coach, but there was a comfort level with Minter and a sense that he not only knew what it meant to be a Raven, but he embodied some of those characteristics. The hire felt like a nod to the team's rich defensive tradition. Yes, the ideal scenario was probably selecting a young offense-minded head coach who can grow with Jackson. But regardless of who they hired, the team's defense, which has lost its way, badly needs to be fixed — and Minter seems like just the man for the job. A defense that can create turnovers and close games should help Jackson, too."

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport: "For so many of the big-time pieces on the Ravens, guys like Kyle Hamilton, this is excellent news because he is as good a [defensive] technician as there is."

CBS Sports’ Jared Dubin: "His defense over the last couple of seasons has been very good, and he's shown that he's able to build quality units despite not having elite talent. At the very least, he should get the Ravens closer to playing the kind of defense they did under Mike Macdonald. A lot will obviously depend on his offensive coordinator hire -- and there are already rumors of Kliff Kingsbury -- but this hire itself is a good one."

Pro Football Sports Network’s Jacob Infante: "As far as landing spots for a head coach go, this is as good as it gets. They have a smart front office that knows how to win, and they have plenty of star power. … The only real concern with Baltimore's decision is the risk factor of hiring a first-time head coach. It's not a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but the question could be asked: Can someone who's never been an NFL head coach before keep a team that's a perennial playoff contender at or above their expected level? Otherwise, Minter is clearly an intelligent defensive coach and a leader whom the players respect. His familiarity with the Ravens' organization should provide a level of continuity that outside hires would not. Grade: A-."

Yahoo! Sports’ Frank Schwab: "Minter was a prime head-coaching candidate in this cycle, due to a lot of respect for his schematic excellence, and he should be a good fit with the Ravens. Grade: A-."

Bleacher Report NFL staff: "If the Ravens truly moved on from John Harbaugh because things had gotten stale after 18 years, replacing him with Minter was a logical choice. He's young, he knows the organization, and he should have a plan for getting Baltimore's defense back into playoff form. Grade: B."

The Baltimore Sun’s Sam Cohn: "By all accounts, the Ravens went about this the right way. They went into the coaching search with a guy in mind, a familiar name who checks off their presumed boxes, while still casting a (very) wide net. … Minter is a defensive-minded guy. The 42-year-old can be a new voice while still connecting to the lore of unrelenting Ravens defenses. He's had incredible success the past four years as a defensive coordinator, first at Michigan then in Los Angeles. Minter feels like the right mix of fresh blood and proven candidate. He's not one of the 30-year-old up-and-comers. He's someone who the Ravens could fully invest their Super Bowl aspirations into."

The Baltimore Banner’s Chris Korman: "Owner Steve Bisciotti obviously felt the need to shake up the Ravens' culture — but not too much. Bringing in Minter feels like a move that serves two objectives. After getting a significant portion of his coaching chops sharpened in Baltimore, he has a powerful connection to the culture of the organization. But, as a younger coach (two years younger than John Harbaugh when he was hired in 2008), Minter has a taste for modern NFL defense and has succeeded at a high level at Michigan and with the Chargers."

Russell Street Report’s Chris Schisler: "The Ravens did what the Ravens tend to do: made a sensible decision. It's impossible to determine if the Ravens made the absolute right call; just like the draft, that is for the future to determine. What we can say today is that Jesse Minter is a qualified hire, with experience in the organization, who is a good blend of proven defensive mind and a young hungry coach on the rise."

Ravens Have Best Offensive Coordinator Opening

Not only did the Ravens have the most attractive head coach opening, but they also have the best offensive coordinator vacancy, according to ESPN’s Ben Solak and Jeremy Fowler.

"Because the Ravens hired Jesse Minter, a defensive-minded head coach, this job is one of those coveted spots where an offensive coordinator can call plays himself," Solak wrote. "Doing so for two-time MVP Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry is an even greater draw! And while there are personnel concerns at wide receiver and on the offensive line, the Ravens' front office is a trustworthy one. This is the ideal spot."

Fowler floated a handful of likely candidates to run the Ravens offense.

"Veteran offensive coaches Matt Nagy, Kliff Kingsbury and Joe Brady recently met with the team. All three would be good fits for Jackson," Fowler wrote. "Denver's Davis Webb is qualified as well if he wants to leave Denver to call plays. With deep-rooted ties throughout the league, Baltimore's front office can help guide Minter on this front."

Could Edge Rusher Khalil Mack Follow Minter to Baltimore?

Speculation about which Chargers free agents could follow Minter to Baltimore has already started. The most intriguing player mentioned is veteran edge rusher Khalil Mack.

Mack, who turns 35 next month, is a nine-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro. He has recorded double-digit sacks five times, including a career-high 17 in 2023.

"Although the former Defensive Player of the Year is mulling retirement, Khalil Mack is still playing at a high level," Pro Football Focus’ Mason Cameron wrote. "An injury early in the 2025 season restricted his snap volume, but upon his return in Week 7, he produced an 84.9 PFF overall grade, seventh best among qualifying edge defenders. Should Mack decide to play another year in pursuit of a championship, he will have no shortage of suitors.

"The Ravens need serious help on the edge — so the fit makes sense. Baltimore finished in the bottom four of the NFL in PFF pass-rush grade (62.1), pressure rate (32.1%) and pass-rush win rate (36.9%) this season."

Bolt Beat’s Levi Dombro wrote: "Mack may not be in the Chargers' plans next season, as his contract is up and his production and availability continue to take a hit. The Ravens need help on the edge and more veteran leadership on the defensive line, and Mack could hit both of those bullet points for a young coach in Minter."

Another Chargers free agent Dombro said could join Minter is special teamer/linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips, who spent two seasons with the Ravens (2022-2023).

"Phillips was an All-Pro special teamer this season, so it is unlikely that [Chargers General Manager Joe] Hortiz will let him walk out the door," Dombro wrote. "However, if Minter sees an expanded defensive role for him in Baltimore, the former undrafted free agent could be lured to the Ravens."

'More Motivated Than Ever,' Henry Isn't Thinking About Retirement

Coming off another highly productive season, Henry isn't thinking about retirement any time soon.

"I'm motivated more than ever," Henry told The Escapist’s D.J. Siddiqi. "I really appreciated this year and how it all went down, because it motivated me to be ready to get back when next year comes and work as hard as I can in the offseason to be better. I don't have no timeline. I'm just ready to go.

"I feel great, man. I take care of my body, try to work as hard as I can, just so I'm ready year after year, and it's been working. I feel great. Obviously, with age, things can slow down, but I feel great."

Henry, who turned 32 earlier this month, finished this season second in rushing yards (1,595), second in rushing touchdowns (16), third in yards per carry (5.2), first in 20+-yard runs (17), and tied for second in 40+-yard runs (four).

Henry also discussed his relationship with his now-former head coach Harbaugh.

"First class coach, representing the organization in a first class way," Henry said. "Held his players to the highest standard, which was play like a Raven. Utilize that every day you come into that building, in our practice field and leading to game days. Hall of Fame coach. I always appreciated his coaching. I'm sure he knows that."

Kyle Van Noy 'Would Love' to Return to Ravens

Another Ravens veteran, outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, addressed his future on ESPN's "Pat McAfee Show." Van Noy, 34, is a pending free agent.

"I would love to keep playing, but you never know," Van Noy said. "One of these teams has to offer you, hopefully it's the Ravens to come back. I love the Ravens. They were so good. It was so fun. I would love to be a part of what they've got going on."

Van Noy also expressed praise for Bisciotti.

"He's amazing," Van Noy said. "He would be an awesome person to interview or just hang out with. I think he's honestly so cool. … I think he does an amazing job. From top down, the Ravens organization is first class."

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