Jesse Minter explains decision to leave Michigan for Los Angeles Chargers

A few weeks into the job, former Michigan Wolverines defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is getting settled in his new role with the L.A. Chargers. Minter spoke to reporters this week and discussed why it was the right time and right opportunity for him to jump back to coaching in the NFL, despite a successful run with Michigan’s defense.

“No. 1 is Jim Harbaugh, and then it’s the opportunity that the Chargers have given me — the Spanos family, [general manager] Joe Hortiz, Coach,” Minter said. “Just tremendously blessed to be here. A great opportunity for my family and I.”

“Certainly have always had dreams of doing this at this level, so this was the best opportunity, getting the chance to continue to work with people I know and trust and feel comfortable with,” he added. “I look forward to doing it here.”

Minter makes return to NFL

The last time Minter worked in the NFL, he spent four seasons on John Harbaugh’s staff. He worked his way up from defensive assistant to defensive backs coach in his final season with the Ravens before returning to the college game in 2021 to become Vanderbilt‘s defensive coordinator and safeties coach. He spent just one season at Vanderbilt before joining the other Harbaugh brother and the Wolverines.

Minter wasn’t alone in following Jim Harbaugh back to California. Rick Minter, Jesse’s father and a longtime coach, spent the last two seasons at Michigan. He served as an analyst, before taking over as interim linebackers coach for the final five games of the 2023 campaign. He is now with the Chargers as a senior defensive analyst.

Asked about Harbaugh’s vision for the Chargers, Minter explained that little will change with their move from the Big Ten to the big time.

“It’s the ultimate team,” Minter said of what Harbaugh is trying to build. “At Michigan, it was ‘the team, the team, the team,’ but that’s how he’s always been, building a team from the inside out, building a team that’s tough, that’s physical, that can win in a lot of different ways. So, we look forward to doing our part on defense here to bring that success.”

The Chargers’ defense underachieved last season, ranking 28th in yards allowed per game and 24th in points allowed per game in the NFL. Despite underachieving, the roster has stars such as Derwin James, Nick Bosa, and Khalil Mack waiting for Minter to direct around the field.