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

2026-06-08 — Browns QB battle, Patrick Mahomes’ recovery among top NFL minicamp storylines - The... (Browns QB battle, Patrick Mahomes’ recovery among top NFL minicamp storylines - The...)
2026-07-13 — NFL Coaching Changes 2026: Who’s Set to Benefit, and Who Might be in Trouble? - Draft... (NFL Coaching Changes 2026: Who’s Set to Benefit, and Who Might be in Trouble? - Draft...)
2026-07-09 — NFL OC Changes and Their Fantasy Impact in 2026 (NFL OC Changes and Their Fantasy Impact in 2026)
2026-07-14 — Ranking all eight NFL divisions entering 2026 season (Ranking all eight NFL divisions entering 2026 season)
2026-03-06 — What's the deal with Lamar Jackson's contract situation? (What's the deal with Lamar Jackson's contract situation?)
2026-06-23 — Everything to Know About the NFL’s 23 Joint Practices in 2026 (Everything to Know About the NFL’s 23 Joint Practices in 2026)
2026-06-22 — 2026 NFL training camp report dates, joint practices, top storyline for all 32 teams (2026 NFL training camp report dates, joint practices, top storyline for all 32 teams)
2026-06-18 — Los Angeles Chargers Fantasy Football Team Preview For 2026 (Los Angeles Chargers Fantasy Football Team Preview For 2026)
2026-07-09 — Ravens training camp: Under-the-radar players to watch on defense (Ravens training camp: Under-the-radar players to watch on defense)
2026-07-14 — Running Back Tiers For 2026 Fantasy Football: Will Kenneth Walker Unlock His High-End... (Running Back Tiers For 2026 Fantasy Football: Will Kenneth Walker Unlock His High-End...)

Sources

NFL 2026 head coach cycle leaned offense (10 hires, NYT)