Jim Harbaugh hires Michigan DC Jesse Minter for same role with Chargers; ex-Ravens OC Greg Roman will run offense
Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is leaving Ann Arbor to join head coach Jim Harbaugh in the same role with the Los Angeles Chargers, the team announced.
The hire marks a return to the NFL for the 40-year-old, who spent four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens from 2017 to 2020. He was initially hired as a defensive assistant and was promoted to defensive backs coach in his final season with the team. The Ravens won back-to-back AFC North Division titles during his tenure.
The Chargers also reached a deal Tuesday with former Ravens, Bills and 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman to serve in the same role in Los Angeles, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, solidifying the top two roles on Harbaugh's coaching staff.
Minter announced his departure from Michigan on Tuesday on social media before MMQB's Albert Breer and ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that he had a deal in place to become the Chargers' defensive coordinator. Minter was Harbaugh's defensive coordinator at Michigan for two seasons, including with the team that won a national championship in January.
Nothing but love to everyone at Michigan, especially the players. We had a great journey together. pic.twitter.com/fZMAWEJIHn
— Jesse Minter (@Coach_Minter) February 6, 2024
Before joining Michigan, Minter was the defensive coordinator and safeties coach for Vanderbilt during the 2021 season.
Minter's exit furthers the exodus from Ann Arbor following Harbaugh's departure in January. Harbaugh's son and former Michigan safeties coach and special-teams coordinator, Jay Harbaugh, is reportedly joining the Seattle Seahawks as special-teams coordinator on new coach Mike MacDonald's staff. Vaunted strength and conditioning coach Ben Herbert followed Harbaugh to Los Angeles.
The Chargers reportedly already had a deal in place with Roman, though his role wasn't clear until Tuesday's report. The Chargers have also reportedly hired former Colts offensive coordinator and Eagles assistant Marcus Brady. He's expected to be the team's passing game coordinator.
Michigan did not lose offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore, as the Wolverines promoted Moore to replace Harbaugh. He led Michigan to a 4-0 record on an interim basis while Harbaugh was suspended last season and was the favorite for the job. He's now building out his staff in the wake of Harbaugh's departure.
