Jesse Minter, the former defensive coordinator for Michigan, made a heartfelt decision to pursue an NFL coaching opportunity alongside one of his mentors, Jim Harbaugh, with the Los Angeles Chargers. Minter, recognized as a finalist for the Broyles Award, played a pivotal role in developing one of college football’s most formidable defenses over the past two seasons. Despite the difficulty of parting ways with Michigan, Minter expressed his gratitude for the chance given to him by the Chargers’ organization, including the Spanos family, general manager Joe Hortiz, and the coaching staff. He sees this as a tremendous opportunity for both himself and his family, as it aligns with his long-held dreams of coaching at the professional level. Minter’s success at Michigan, where he helped construct a dominant defense that ranked among the top ten in points allowed, total defense, and run defense, has prepared him for the challenges of the NFL. Notably, he orchestrated a flawless game plan in the College Football Playoff National Championship, where the Wolverines secured victory by stifling the potent Washington offense. Now collaborating with Harbaugh in the NFL, Minter aims to contribute to the Chargers’ journey to becoming a playoff contender. He emphasizes the importance of team unity and toughness, drawing upon his experience at Michigan where the mantra was “the team, the team, the team.” Minter’s brief stint as the interim head coach for Michigan further fueled speculation about potential NFL head coaching opportunities or even a permanent role at Michigan. However, he ultimately decided to join Harbaugh on the West Coast, embracing the opportunity to continue their successful partnership.
Before making the move to the Los Angeles Chargers, Jesse Minter had signed a contract extension with Michigan in April. This came after an impressive debut season in Ann Arbor, where the Wolverines boasted the fifth-best total defense in the nation, allowing a mere 292.1 yards per game. Minter’s exceptional performance during his second season solidified his reputation as one of the most highly sought-after assistant coaches in college football.
Prior to his time at Michigan, Minter held the position of defensive coordinator and safeties coach at Vanderbilt in 2021. He also gained valuable experience during his four-year tenure as a defensive assistant under the guidance of coach John Harbaugh with the Baltimore Ravens.
Jesse Minter’s coaching journey commenced in 2006 when he served as a defensive intern under Charlie Weis at Notre Dame. Subsequently, he joined the Cincinnati Bearcats as a graduate assistant in 2007. In 2009, Minter transitioned to Indiana State, where he assumed the role of linebackers coach until 2010. Following his stint as a position coach, Minter was promoted to the position of defensive coordinator in 2011. Later on, he made the decision to become the defensive coordinator at Georgia State, where he remained from 2013 to 2015.
