Jim Harbaugh Hires Michigan Assistant As Chargers Defensive Coordinator, per Report

The former Wolverines coach is bringing a key member of his staff to Los Angeles.

Jim Harbaugh is reportedly taking a key piece from his Michigan staff with him to the Los Angeles Chargers. 

Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter informed Wolverines players on Saturday that he will accompany Harbaugh to the NFL, according to 247Sports’ Sam Webb. 

Minter, 40, joining Harbaugh’s staff was widely expected. After two seasons leading Michigan’s defense (and one season as Vanderbilt’s DC before that), the next step in his career was to coach in the NFL. Minter has experience at that level, spending four years on John Harbaugh’s staff with the Baltimore Ravens. 

Jesse Minter was an assistant for four seasons on John Harbaugh’s Baltimore Ravens staff :: Photo Credit: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

He also filled in as interim coach for the Wolverines’ season opener versus East Carolina while Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore served suspensions imposed by Michigan for alleged recruiting violations. 

Michigan led the nation in total defense during the 2023 season, allowing 247 yards and just 10.4 points per game. Minter’s defense was especially impressive in the national championship game, holding Washington to 13 points and 46 rushing yards while restricting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. to 255 yards passing and two interceptions.

The Chargers will need a major turnaround on defense to improve on their 5–12 record last season. Despite star talents in Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack and Derwin James, the team ranked second-to-last in the NFL with 4,580 yards allowed and 24th in points allowed per game (23.4).