The writing is on the wall. At some point, the Los Angeles Chargers will lose their up-and-coming defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.
In his two years in the NFL, he has cemented the Chargers' defense as one of the league's premier units, and his esoteric mix of coverage schemes and sharp eye for developing talent will ultimately convince an organization to give him a shot as a head coach.
For fans of the team, however, there is hope that this hiring cycle does not yet lead to his departure.
According to Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon, the New York Jets could very well hold onto Aaron Glenn, taking Minter's prime opportunity off the table before it even truly opens.
While a defensive coordinator can certainly be replaced, Los Angeles would clearly like to hang onto Minter for as long as possible. If Gagnon's prediction proves true, they could get some help in doing so this offseason.
The New York Jets would represent Jesse Minter's prime coaching opportunity, but it's not yet that simple
It goes without saying that the Jets had yet another disappointing year. Even with a Week 18 matchup looming against the banged-up Buffalo Bills, their best possible record is 4-13, likely leaving them with the third overall pick in the Draft.
After firing Robert Saleh last season, New York turned to Glenn, the long-time Detroit Lions defensive coordinator, for salvation.
It did not come, at least not yet.
Even as a first-year head coach, Glenn is certainly on the hot seat this offseason. However, according to Gagnon, it would make more sense for the Jets to clean house offensively, leaving Glenn in place to attempt to turn things around.
If there were an opening in New York, however, it would almost certainly go to a defensive candidate. Six of the Jets' last seven head coaches have been former defensive coordinators, and the organization has a long streak of seeking out those types of strategic minds.
Were Glenn to be fired, Minter would certainly be a top candidate for the job.
This is not the only job that Minter would be likely to garner consideration for this offseason. The Tennessee Titans have already listed him as a candidate they're looking at, and any number of other organizations could also be in the mix for a defensive-minded head coach.
Yet New York would be the prime landing spot for an ascendant coordinator like Minter, and Glenn staying put could be the factor that brings him back to the Chargers for at least one more season.