The Chargers have experienced a revolution on defense. In large part, it's due to the work of DC Jesse Minter. LA has become the NFL's top scoring defense (13.1 points per game allowed) after ranking 23rd last year. The Chargers are also top 10 in total offensive yards allowed, passing yards allowed, and rushing yards.
So it should come as no surprise that Jesse Minter's name has been floated in lists of top coordinator candidates for head coaching jobs next season. Per FOX and NFL Network's Peter Schrager, Minter will be a "very hot name come January".
On his "The Pat McAfee Show" appearance Monday, Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh acknowledged this reality:
"Well, we're probably gonna have to just enjoy Jesse Minter while we have him," Harbaugh said. "I mean, I have a feeling he's gonna be a head coach next year. We'll be competing against him."
Harbaugh continued lavishing Minter with praise for his performance this season:
Jim Harbaugh thinks the Chargers will lose DC Jesse Minter in 2025
"He's a humble warrior, I mean his picture could be right up there next to it," Harbaugh continued. "And a jackhammer. I'm about to go into a meeting with Jesse and it's gonna be 'we played this', and he's gonna want 'we can get better at this'. 'We had this many missed tackles, and we had the two defensive offsides penalties back to back.' He's always-more is more for Jesse. He's just intuitive. He knows offensive football almost as well as defensive football. He knows how an offense is going to try to attack."
"We've gotta enjoy Jesse Minter while we have him because I think he's gonna be a Head Coach next year..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 11, 2024
He's always trying to get better and he has IT"@CoachJim4UM #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/0Ky6SKVsoQ
"There's some play callers that just have it too. He has it. In every way, maybe if there's something to pat myself on the back on, I could see that this Jesse Minter is special. We got a defensive coordinator role: this is who we have to have."
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What makes Minter's performance particularly impressive in my view is that the Chargers have dealt with injuries all season. Star EDGE rusher Joey Bosa missed games and is unable to play in a full time capacity. CB Kristian Fulton has missed multiple games while CB Asante Samuel Jr. is currently on IR. Rookie third-round pick LB Junior Colson is on IR as well.
Even taking the win against the Titans last week as an example, Khalil Mack was only able to play four snaps with a groin injury. Still, Minter's defense patched together with rookies and practice squad players has found ways to execute at an elite level. And the defense playing at such a high level with arguable talent disadvantages and injuries is certainly a sign of good coaching.
Minter will have his hands full with Ja'Marr Chase and Joe Burrow in primetime this week as the Chargers take on the Bengals.