Jesse Minter — Baltimore Ravens Head Coach
Head coach of the Baltimore Ravens for 2026 season. First-time NFL head coach, defensive-minded specialist hired to replace John Harbaugh after 18 years.
Quick Facts
- Role: Head Coach
- Team: Baltimore Ravens (BAL)
- Current holder: Jesse Minter (hired 2026 offseason)
- Coaching tree: Mike Macdonald / John Harbaugh — see Coaching Trees
Background
Was the Los Angeles Chargers' defensive coordinator in 2024 and 2025, leading a top-5 defense. Before that, two years as defensive coordinator at Michigan under Jim Harbaugh, including the 2023 national championship. Spent four seasons together with Mike Macdonald on John Harbaugh's Baltimore staff before both took college DC jobs in 2021.
Hired January 22, 2026 to replace John Harbaugh after the team parted ways following 18 seasons. In his first 100+ days, Minter managed multiple responsibilities: assembling a coaching staff (tapping defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and special teams coordinator Anthony Levine Sr., both former Ravens), hiring 30-year-old Declan Doyle from the Bears as offensive coordinator, navigating the failed Maxx Crosby trade, and building rapport with quarterback Lamar Jackson. Minter's approach is collaborative—he consulted with mentor Mike Macdonald on the transition from coordinator to head coach. He installed his defensive system while ensuring ample attention to offensive and special teams planning. His staff drew heavily on college ranks and veteran assistants, with emphasis on diversity. (per Inside Jesse Minter's whirlwind Ravens start)
Scheme and Tendencies
Defensive-minded head coach in the Mike Macdonald mold. Brought Declan Doyle from the Bears as offensive coordinator (only 30 years old). Anthony Weaver hired as defensive coordinator. Led a top-5 Chargers defense in 2024-2025, expected to revitalize Ravens defense that "lost its spark" after Mike Macdonald left for Seattle. Features talented defensive pieces like Kyle Hamilton and Roquan Smith (per Ravens reason for 2026 optimism not centered on Lamar Jackson).
Recent News
- 2026-08-29 — NFL Preseason Week 3 Odds: Lines, Spreads, Betting Trends on Biggest Games (NFL Preseason Week 3 Odds: Lines, Spreads, Betting Trends on Biggest Games)
- 2026-08-24 — NFL Power Rankings: Seahawks' injuries push NFC West rival into top Super Bowl spot as... (NFL Power Rankings: Seahawks' injuries push NFC West rival into top Super Bowl spot as...)
- 2026-08-29 — 2026 NFL Power Rankings: Evaluating All 32 Teams After Preseason Action (2026 NFL Power Rankings: Evaluating All 32 Teams After Preseason Action)
- 2026-08-25 — 2026 NFL betting preview, odds: My favorite bets for Coach of the Year (2026 NFL betting preview, odds: My favorite bets for Coach of the Year)
- 2026-08-28 — Which NFL win total projections are too low, too high or just right? - The Athletic (Which NFL win total projections are too low, too high or just right? - The Athletic)
- 2026-08-27 — 2026 NFL season: Ranking all 32 teams' watchability, excitement (2026 NFL season: Ranking all 32 teams' watchability, excitement)
- 2026-08-27 — NFL Catchup: No More Pro Bowl, Mahomes To Miss Preseason & Falcons QB Battle Update (NFL Catchup: No More Pro Bowl, Mahomes To Miss Preseason & Falcons QB Battle Update)
- 2026-08-27 — Latest NFL injury updates: Ashton Jeanty avoids major injury, other running backs... (Latest NFL injury updates: Ashton Jeanty avoids major injury, other running backs...)
- 2026-08-26 — CBS Sports NFL roster rankings 2026: Rams lead league's top 16 teams, defending... (CBS Sports NFL roster rankings 2026: Rams lead league's top 16 teams, defending...)
- 2026-08-19 — 2026 Fantasy Football Tiered Defense (DST) rankings and strategy (2026 Fantasy Football Tiered Defense (DST) rankings and strategy)
Sources
- NFL 2026 head coach cycle leaned offense (10 hires, NYT)