The Los Angeles Chargers are in need of a new defensive coordinator after losing Jesse Minter to the Baltimore Ravens. Minter will take on a head coaching role for the first time in his career, and the Chargers will be left attempting to replicate his schematic impact.
Over the past two seasons, Minter has consistently elevated the Los Angeles defense above both their pay grade and talent level (at least from a league-wide perception).
Now, the Chargers must take a look at essentially all options to replace him this offseason.
However, head coach Jim Harbaugh will likely seek out continuity on that side of the ball in order to continue maximizing their talent. Here are four candidates, some of whom have already been requested for interviews, who should be in the running for the position.
Best candidates for the Chargers' defensive coordinator opening
Aubrey Pleasant, Assistant Coach & Passing Game Coordinator, Los Angeles Rams
This choice is an immediate departure from our theme of continuity. But this was the first interview that Harbaugh conducted, and it's clear he's had his eyes on Pleasant for some time.
Pleasant has spent 14 seasons coaching at the NFL level, and he's currently on his second stint with the Rams. This season, the Rams secondary struggled slightly, allowing the 12th-most passing yards across the course of the season. But Pleasant has gotten immense contributions out of some of their younger additions to the secondary, and his extensive experience would make him a good fit to do the same for the Chargers.
Steve Clinkscale, Defensive Backs Coach, Los Angeles Chargers
Clinkscale, in many ways, is the most obvious replacement for Minter. He spent four years coaching under Minter and Harbaugh between Michigan and Los Angeles.
Working under Minter, he has helped to maximize the Chargers' talent on the back end. Players such as Donte Jackson, Tony Jefferson, and Benjamin St-Juste have seen massive resurgences under his coaching and leadership. In terms of continuity, it can't get much better than this.
Zach Orr, Former Defensive Coordinator, Baltimore Ravens
Orr may not be a popular choice, especially given the public perception of the Harbaugh brothers' tendency to poach from each other's staffs.
However, Orr has done an excellent job in his past two seasons as the Ravens' defensive coordinator at bringing his unit together over the course of the campaign. While the secondary struggled under Orr's scheme, the run defense excelled, finishing top 10 in total yards allowed in both seasons.
He's not necessarily a premier option, but he's one Los Angeles will be taking a long look at nonetheless.
Chris Hewitt, Pass Game Coordinator & Defensive Backs Coach, Indianapolis Colts
Hewitt is an excellent choice if the Chargers are indeed seeking continuity. Hewitt was on the Ravens' staff for the entirety of Minter's tenure there. When Minter was first promoted to defensive backs' coach, it was Hewitt's promotion to pass defense coordinator that created the opening.
The Colts' passing defense was one of the worst in the league last season, but a lot of that can be attributed to the injury issues they faced.
Hewitt, therefore, would be a solid option to attempt to replicate what Minter accomplished in Los Angeles.