The Baltimore Ravens won the race for Jesse Minter. After firing John Harbaugh two days after their abysmal 2025 season came to an end, they conducted a two-week search for their fourth head coach in franchise history. On Thursday, they hired Minter, signing the 42-year-old to a five-year contract.
While Minter has been reported as the top target for a while, it was still a tough decision for the Ravens to make. Initially, 17 candidates were reported to get interviews. However, following the Minter announcement, General Manager Eric DeCosta revealed that the team had interviewed 20 candidates for the position. Ultimately, Minter outlasted them all.
Baltimore were certainly looking to line up other interviews for potential targets. Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, Denver Broncos quarterbacks coach Davis Webb, and Los Angeles Rams pass game coordinator Nathan Scheelhaase were among the most desirable candidates of the entire coaching cycle that the team interviewed.
The Ravens could’ve been interested in bringing some of those names back for the second round, but they would’ve had to wait until after Conference Championship weekend. According to The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec, DeCosta and company didn’t want to take the chance on waiting, with Minter being a hot target. As a result, they decided to ink him to a deal on Thursday evening.
Ravens loved a few of the assistants coaching Sunday. They were inclined, at one pt, to wait it out so they can interview them early this coming week. However, Raiders' interest in Jesse Minter accelerated their process. They didn't want to risk losing Minter.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) January 22, 2026
Ravens make quick work of Jesse Minter hire
The likes of Kubiak, Webb, or Scheelhaase could’ve brought the best out of Baltimore’s offense. We could’ve seen it elevated back to the level that saw Lamar Jackson compete for several MVPs. However, the smarter move was to go with the coach they were more sure about in Minter.
Not only did they bring Minter back for a second interview on Wednesday, but he was also coached for the Ravens from 2017 to 2020. The front office knows what he’s all about. They know what to expect from his defenses, and he only further impressed them as a leader throughout the interview process.
Despite coaching the defensive side, Minter also has a strong relationship with Lamar Jackson. After being on staff with Jackson on the team for three seasons, he knows exactly what Jackson and company need to succeed. Minter should prove that with an excellent hire at offensive coordinator. Currently, a couple of candidates for that spot include Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady and former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
By the media’s reaction, Minter is appears to be an outstanding hire. He simply dominates on defense and should bring back the elite defenses Baltimore fans are used to seeing.