In a move the entire world saw coming, the Baltimore Ravens hired now-former LA Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter to be their next head coach. Minter became one of the hottest names in the head coaching cycle after two dominant years in LA, and now leaves the Chargers looking for a replacement.
There are several exciting options for the Chargers to pursue that should be able to build off what Minter has built. After all, the culture has already been established with Minter and Jim Harbaugh; the Chargers just need someone who can continue that success.
The hardest thing to replace is how Minter developed players. Minter made the most out of everyone who played on the Chargers' defense, whether they be late-round picks, free-agent fliers, or cast-offs that were traded by their former team. He will certainly do the same in Baltimore.
Not only will Minter take his development elsewhere, but he could also bring some of the players he helped get the most out of with him to Baltimore.
Chargers better hope Tony Jefferson doesn't follow Jesse Minter back to the Ravens
Tony Jefferson first crossed paths with Minter back when he was an assistant under John Harbaugh on the Ravens. After the two reunited in Los Angeles, it isn't inconceivable to think Jefferson could follow Minter's lead and return to the team he once called home.
Jefferson spent more than three seasons with the Ravens across two different stints. He then served as a scout for Baltimore in 2023 when he briefly retired from the NFL. In that role, he worked directly with current Chargers GM Joe Hortiz.
Hortiz brought Jefferson in on a workout, which blossomed into a practice squad invite, which turned into an opportunity on the 53-man roster, which culminated in him becoming one of the most impactful players in the Chargers' secondary in 2025. Despite retiring for a year, Jefferson proved he could still go.
That may pique the interest of the Ravens, who know firsthand how impactful Jefferson can be with Minter. Baltimore needs safety depth alongside Kyle Hamilton this offseason, especially with former Charger Alohi Gilman hitting free agency.
The Chargers need safety depth as well, which makes a potential Jefferson loss a hard one to manage. Derwin James mostly plays in the nickel, R.J. Micken has a boatload of potential but is unproven, and Elijah Molden isn't a traditional every-down safety.
Los Angeles would welcome Jefferson back with open arms, even if the team drafts a safety in the 2026 NFL Draft. That equation changes if Jefferson wants to follow Minter, forcing the issue for the Chargers to find an external fit via free agency or early in the draft.
Jefferson isn't the most impactful defensive free agent who could leave this offseason, that would be Odafe Oweh or Khalil Mack. However, he may just be the most likely to follow Minter to the Ravens, and it would still put the Chargers on their back foot.