Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter will receive interview requests eventually. Per several national reporters at this point, Minter will have no shortage of interest in the 2026 head coach interview circuit.
The reality of the modern NFL is that coordinators have to balance their current job while keeping a close eye to the future. Perhaps there was no better example of that than last offseason when Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore completed a Super Bowl run before accepting the Saints job.
As the Chargers get set for their first playoff game, the 2026 cycle will probably lurk in the back of Minter's mind.
Jesse Minter won't face any interview distractions during the first week of the playoffs.
However, the NFL assistant interview schedule will keep Minter focused on the task at hand this week. Candidates from teams coaching in the Wild Card round will not interview until the following week. The schedule is as follows:
A reminder of the interview timelines for assistants: https://t.co/umvZZLtXPd pic.twitter.com/fg6SjlcjwN
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 5, 2026
The only playoff team assistants that can participate in external team interviews this week are those with first round BYEs. This year, that only applies to assistant coaches from Denver and Seattle. With the Chargers playing on Sunday Night Football this week vs. the Patriots, the earliest Minter can start doing interviews is on January 13th.
For Minter, the head coaching interviews will eventually require at least some of his weekly focus if the Chargers were to advance past the Patriots. But considering how well Los Angeles' defense is gelling at the moment, it's good that Minter won't have to split responsibilities this week vs. New England.
The task at hand is a large undertaking. New England's offense was third in the NFL this year with 379.4 yards per game. They were the second best scoring offense in terms of points per game in the league at 28.8. New England is also led offensively by one of the league's MVP frontrunners in QB Drake Maye.
Minter's defense has increased the amount of man coverage they've been willing to play in recent weeks. He has put a lot of faith into both his Chargers' pass rush and secondary. In that regard, the status of CB Donte Jackson looms large over the game Sunday.
The Chargers' defense is one of the best units in the league right now. If they are to win a game in spite of the offensive line and rash of injuries, it will be because of both Minter and QB Justin Herbert. In the Chargers' last six games, they have allowed 20 points just once (vs. Houston). In the second halves of the teams' last four games, they've allowed just 15 points combined.
Minter's unit is peaking at the right time. And for that reason, it's good to have his undivided attention this week against the Patriots. The weeks that come next will almost assuredly see him flooded with interviews.