Could Chargers coach Jesse Minter replace John Harbaugh in Baltimore?

As the NFL coaching carousel continues to heat up, Chargers fans are keeping their eyes locked on one particular opening. 

Following the abrupt and shocking firing of John Harbaugh, the Baltimore Ravens have a vacancy — and they might be looking toward Los Angeles to fill that role. 

According to Kalshi, a New York-based financial exchange and prediction market, Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is the betting favorite to become the next head coach of Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. Current odds put Minter at 40 percent with Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores (18 percent) and former Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury (16 percent) as the only other candidates with more than a 15 percent chance.

As just 42 years old, Minter has had a meteoric rise to his head coaching candidacy, having joined Jim Harbaugh and the regime change in L.A. in 2024. 

Implementing a “bend-but-don’t break” scheme built on disguise, simplicity and playing fast and free, the Chargers have finished in the top 11 in points and yards allowed each of the past two seasons. The concept is meant to free up the top playmakers to create mismatches, havoc and confusion. 

All-Pro safety Derwin James was one of the main beneficiaries under Minter, notching a career-high in sacks in 2024 and tying his career high in interceptions in 2025. When Los Angeles moved on from Joey Bosa, the Chargers turned to Tuli Tuipulotu, who had a breakout 2025 season by finishing with a career-high 13.5 sacks.

This past season as a unit, Los Angeles surrendered the lowest passer rating in the NFL at 75.0. It also finished third in interceptions, fifth in yards allowed and 11th in sacks.

Prior to Los Angeles, Minter served under Jim as the defensive coordinator at Michigan from 2022-23. When Jim was suspended for the Wolverines’ first three games to begin the 2023 season, Minter served as interim head coach in the first game of the year, a 30-3 victory over East Carolina. 

There is familiarity between Minter and Baltimore. 

He served as a defensive assistant with the Ravens, where he worked with the defensive backs, from 2017-2019. He was then promoted to defensive backs coach for the 2020 season before leaving to take the defensive coordinator job at Vanderbilt. He spent one year with the Commodores before heading to Michigan to partner up with Jim. 

Los Angeles is currently preparing for the playoffs, where the Chargers will face the Patriots on Sunday night.