Los Angeles Chargers Hire Michigan Wolverines Coach as DC

The Los Angeles Chargers hire former Michigan Wolverines defensive coordinator, Jesse Minter for the same position. New Chargers head coach, Jim Harbaugh is bringing his old buddy from Michigan to join him in the NFL. It’s a finalized deal as Minter says goodbye to Wolverine fans via a social media post. Minter will replace former defensive coordinator, Derrick Ansley who served only one year as the DC.

The 40-year-old coordinator helped guide the Wolverines to their first title in 26 years in his two-year tenure. Minter also has NFL experience, he spent some time with Jim Harbaugh’s brother, John, head coach of the Baltimore Ravens. He served as the defensive assistant from 2017-2018 and defensive backs coach in 2019-2020 with the Ravens. After Baltimore, he headed to Vanderbilt and then to Michigan.

He was also on the Philadelphia Eagles once for their defensive coordinator job. He has plenty of NFL experience, making him a great fit for the job with Los Angeles. There have always been rumors about Minter coming to the Chargers, but official now. They also filled their offensive coordinator position with former Ravens OC, Greg Roman.

Things are coming together rapidly in their coordinator positions. It’s starting to look like a college team, but these coaches have NFL experience. It’ll be interesting to see how Minter can change the defense around after a struggling year. The Chargers were 28th in the league in total defense and 30th against the pass.

Los Angeles Chargers Hire Jesse Minter as New Defensive Coordinator

It Might Be a Daunting Task for Him

There could be some difficulty once Minter arrives in Los Angeles to change the defense. Last season, for the first time, the Charger’s defense was ranked 20th or lower for three straight seasons. Los Angeles had Derwin James, Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack all on one team, but they still struggled. Now, it’s up to Minter to transform the defense, but it might not be too difficult.

New Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz said the Chargers are built similarly to the Ravens defense. Minter has experience learning under Don Martindale from Baltimore, so it might actually work. However, some help may be on the way if the Chargers play their cards right in the NFL Draft. Harbaugh is already adding some help, continuing to add to his defensive staff.

The Chargers are also bringing in Michigan defensive line coach Mike Elston for the same position. Elston spent more than a decade on Notre Dame’s staff. So now you have three similar minds from college reuniting. Minter’s task gets easier, but he still had a successful tenure in Ann Arbor.

Chargers fans are now anticipating if Harbaugh, Minter and Elston can all replicate the success they had with the Wolverines. Minter’s defense was at the top of most defensive categories this past season.

Future Still Glooms Bright

Minter’s defense could be the same way with the Chargers. The key players are there and all Minter needs to do is know how to use them. Michigan had a perfect season after Minter’s defense only allowed 10.4 points and 247 yards per game. Minter has two decades of coaching experience under his belt, so he’s ready for any challenge

It’s nothing new to him starting on a new team, but this time it will be with his old buddy Jim Harbaugh in his corner.