The Los Angeles Chargers have one of the hottest head coaching candidates of this cycle in defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.
In his two years back at the NFL level, he has helped the Chargers defense reach new heights. His zone-heavy defensive scheme has drawn eyes across the league to his talents.
The Tennessee Titans and Las Vegas Raiders had already made their interest known before the dust had even settled on the end of the regular season.
These teams, however, were known to be in the search for a head coach long before the season ended. Titans head coach Brian Callahan was fired mid-season, and not many thought that Pete Carroll would be sticking around in Las Vegas for another year.
Today, a new team has officially entered the fray.
The Cleveland Browns have requested to interview Minter for their vacant head coaching position. Not only does their candidacy come as somewhat of a surprise, but it could also be Minter's prime opportunity to leave Los Angeles this offseason.
The Browns have requested to interview Chargers DC Jesse Minter for their head coaching vacancy, per source.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 9, 2026
The Cleveland Browns could be Jesse Minter's prime coaching opportunity if the Ravens go a different direction
Before the NFL was made flush with head coaching vacancies over the past few days, it seemed as though the openings this offseason might not be all that desirable. However, that narrative has changed drastically since the regular season ended.
The Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, Baltimore Ravens, and the Miami Dolphins all should represent desirable landing spots for those looking to land coaching jobs this cycle.
At first glance, Cleveland might not be an easy addition to this list. For someone like Minter, however, there's a case to be made.
After going 45-56 in his six seasons with the Browns, the organization fired head coach Kevin Stefanski in a surprise move this offseason. Stefanski is well-regarded across the league, and his next job should come rather quickly.
For Cleveland, therefore, this must be about a change in identity for their coaching staff.
The Browns yet again had an elite defense this season, allowing the third-fewest total yards and the third-fewest net yards per passing attempts. They may be looking to lean into this strength in their hiring process.
The tools are there for someone like Minter to make this defense absolutely undeniable.
Were he to be hired in Cleveland, Minter would have a full arsenal of weapons on his side of the ball. He would also be able to hire his own offensive coordinator who could be trusted with the task of building up their existing quarterback room.
The Baltimore Ravens would likely be Minter's preferred destination if they prove to have serious interest. However, the Browns present a surprisingly strong case, and their emergence as a suitor should worry Chargers fans.