In 2025, under Minter's guidance, the Chargers' defense ranked in the Top 5 in a variety of categories: No. 1 in defensive passer rating (75.0), No. 4 in red zone TD efficiency (46.9%) and No. 5 in each total defense (285.2 ypg), pass defense (179.9 ypg) and third-down percentage (35.2%). Los Angeles allowed 20.0 points per game (ninth), recorded 45 sacks (10th) with a Top 6 sack rate (8.91%), forced 23 turnovers (t-seventh) and conceded just 285 first downs (t-second) in 2025. S Derwin James Jr. (fifth) and OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (first) earned Pro Bowl nods, while James Jr. was also named second-team All-Pro.
In his first season (2024) as defensive coordinator with the Chargers, Minter led a unit that ranked No. 1 in scoring (17.7 ppg), No. 5 in third-down efficiency (35.7%) and No. 7 in pass defense (206.9 ypg). The defense featured three Pro Bowl players: James Jr., OLB Joey Bosa and OLB Khalil Mack.
As Michigan's defensive coordinator for two seasons (2022-23), Minter oversaw the country's top-ranked defense in 2023, capping the campaign with a CFP National Championship. The Wolverines also led the nation in total defense (247.0) and scoring defense (10.4) that year, allowing just 17 TDs over 15 games, the second fewest by any unit in the country despite playing in two more games than the leader. Adding the responsibilities of interim head coach for the season opener, Minter's leadership and direction guided the eventual National Champions to a victory over East Carolina, securing his first official victory as a head coach.
In his lone season at Vanderbilt (2021), Minter served as the defensive coordinator and safeties coach.
As a part of the Ravens' defensive staff from 2017-20, Minter helped Baltimore rank as the second-best total defense in the NFL over that four-year span (312.1 ypg). During that stretch, the Ravens secured three postseason berths and back-to-back AFC North Division crowns (2018-19).
In 2019, Minter helped lead the Ravens' strong secondary, which included three Pro Bowl defenders – CBs Marlon Humphrey (first) and Marcus Peters (third) and S Earl Thomas III (seventh). Baltimore allowed the NFL's third-fewest points (17.6) and fourth-fewest net yards (300.6) per game, en route to a franchise-best 14-2 record and second-straight AFC North division title. The Ravens also ranked fifth against the run (93.4 ypg) and No. 6 versus the pass (207.2 ypg). Baltimore's six defensive TDs in 2019, including five by DBs, tied (with '06 and '08) for the second most in franchise history (2004 – 7) and also tied (TB) for the most in the NFL. Baltimore also recorded the NFL's second-best defensive passer rating (77.5).Â
In his second season with the Ravens (2018), the defense ranked No. 1 in total yards (292.9 ypg), No. 4 in rushing yards (82.9 ypg) and No. 5 in passing yards (210.0 ypg), while their 80.6 defensive passer rating stood No. 2. Baltimore also permitted the league's second-fewest points per game (17.9).
When Minter joined the NFL coaching ranks in 2017, he worked as a Ravens' defensive assistant and was responsible for organizing details of quality control and self-scouting, in addition to conducting opponent analysis for both sides of the ball. He also worked on the field with the defensive backs.Â
In leading the Georgia State defense (2013-16), the Panthers ranked seventh in pass efficiency in FBS play in 2016, while ranking 19th in yards-per-play average and 22nd in red zone defense. Minter was named the Sun Belt Conference's top recruiter by Scout.com. In 2015, he helped lead the Panthers to their first bowl game (Cure Bowl) in school history. Georgia State was also the most improved rushing and scoring defense in the FBS, finishing Top 4 in conference scoring defense (28.3 ppg), total defense (405.6 ypg) and rushing defense (181.4 ypg).
Minter spent time early in his career coaching at Indiana State (2009-12), University of Cincinnati (2007-08) and Notre Dame (2006).Â
Minter graduated with a bachelor's degree in liberal studies from the College of Mount Saint Joseph in Delhi, Ohio. He was a wide receiver for the Lions' football team, which posted a school-record 30-10 mark during his four years (2002-05), including back-to-back conference titles and Division III playoff appearances.
Minter, a native of Yorktown, Ind., and his wife, Rachelle, have three children: Millie, Monte and Mac. His father is former University of Cincinnati head football coach Rick Minter, who also coached linebackers for the Philadelphia Eagles (2013-15). Jesse and Rick coached together at Georgia State, with the elder Minter serving as defensive line coach while his son was defensive coordinator. Minter prepped at Yorktown High School, where he played wide receiver.
STATEMENTS FROM THE RAVENS:
"Jesse was impressive throughout our incredibly thorough interview process. He clearly understands the values, high expectations and history of the Ravens, and he has a great vision for the future. Jesse's football acumen is outstanding, and that's been proven by the impact he's made throughout his entire coaching career. He is also a leader who will authentically connect with our players and inspire them to championship levels.
"I want to thank Eric DeCosta, Sashi Brown and our entire selection committee for the work they poured into this process. It was clear to us that Jesse is a special talent who has what it takes to lead us as head coach of the Ravens.
"I watched Eric work closely with John Harbaugh for years. It was evident how excited he and Sashi are to now partner with Jesse as our organization strives to chase championships."
Executive Vice President & General Manager Eric DeCosta
"We are thrilled to announce an agreement with Jesse Minter to be the fourth head coach in Baltimore Ravens history. Jesse is a strong leader who possesses a brilliant football mind and a spirit that will resonate with our players and fanbase alike. Jesse comes from a football family, with success at every level of the sport, and we are confident that he is the right coach to lead the Ravens forward.  Congratulations to Jesse and his wife, Rachelle, and the entire Minter family. It's time to get to work!"
"I am truly honored to serve as the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens. This is an organization whose values, culture and tradition of excellence reflect everything I believe about the game of football and how it should be played. My family and I are thrilled to join the Ravens Flock, and we can't wait to make the fans, the great city of Baltimore and Maryland proud."
