The Baltimore Ravens became the first of the trio of AFC North franchises to hire a new head coach, agreeing to terms with Jesse Minter on a five-year deal
When John Harbaugh was dismissed by the Baltimore Ravens after compiling a 193-124 record (including playoffs) over the course of his 18 seasons at the helm, questions abounded as to who would replace him. The Ravens reportedly had as many as 15 candidates, whittled down to Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver, Bills OC Joe Brady, and Chargers DC Jesse Minter. In the end, Minter’s familiarity as a former defensive position coach with Baltimore from 2017 to 2020 won out.
This is Minter’s first foray to the top of the coaching tree. He served as defensive coordinator at four different college programs with marked success, and then made the jump back to the NFL by being tapped by the Los Angeles Chargers as their defensive coordinator in 2024. He remained in that role until this coaching cycle, when his name repeatedly surfaced in several teams’ searches. In 2025-2026, LA ranked in the top 10 on defense in both points allowed and total yards. In Minter’s first season as defensive coordinator, the Chargers finished first in the league in defensive points allowed as well as 10th in total yards.
The Ravens, known for years as a defense-first team, have struggled recently. Although playing top-10 defense against the run in 2025, it was largely due to teams’ ability to throw at will. The Ravens avoided last place in passing yards yielded by only four per game (Dallas). The hiring of Minter signals a hope for the Ravens to return to an identity they’ve been known for for three decades.
Fantasy lowdown: Managers can expect the same offensive commitment to the run game from Baltimore, especially with Derrick Henry still holding the rock. Assuming Lamar Jackson is completely healed up for next season, he should see a significant bounce-back in his rushing yards. The Ravens and their new head coach hope to own the ball-control game, supplemented with timely passes to Zay Flowers and Isaiah Likely, whose takeover at tight end appears to be nearly complete. If anyone in dynasty leagues is selling low, it’s a good time to go shopping.
Author: Samwise (@BuyAndSellYou)
