Jesse Minter is heading to L.A. Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Former Michigan DC Jesse Minter chooses NFL over college

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated 2/6/24

It was always expected that now-former Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter would leave Ann Arbor this offseason.

He could have basically called his shot as a college head-coaching candidate — having helped lead the Wolverines to the College Football Playoff National Championship this past season. He also could have bolted for the NFL, where multiple pro teams would have loved his services.

Those were his viable options, but when head coach Jim Harbaugh left Michigan for the head-coaching job with the Los Angeles Chargers — it was all but guaranteed that Minter would choose the NFL option.

Earlier Tuesday evening, Minter confirmed that he was indeed leaving Michigan. He posted this goodbye on social media.

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

It then also almost immediately came out that the Chargers and Minter had finalized a deal to make him L.A.'s new defensive coordinator.

Source: The Chargers have finalized the hire of Jesse Minter as their new defensive coordinator. Big get for Jim Harbaugh, bringing over his DC of the last two years from Michigan.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 7, 2024

There's going to be a massive adjustment for Minter because calling a college defense against the likes of Ball State and Maryland is a completely different ballgame compared to, let's say, trying to stop Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, but there is reason to be excited about Minter if you're a Chargers fan.

Michigan boasted the best total defense in the nation last season, giving up just 247 yards per game. Minter's Wolverines also led college football in scoring defense, giving up just 10.4 points per game.

He and Harbaugh proved to be an elite coaching combo. Now we'll have to wait and see if it will translate to the AFC West.

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