Michigan’s defensive coordinator, Jesse Minter, bid farewell to the program on Tuesday after a two-year stint, as he gears up to make a return to the NFL.
Minter played a pivotal role in Michigan’s recent successes, including securing their first national title in 26 seasons, as well as clinching two Big Ten championships and making appearances in the College Football Playoff. According to a league source, Minter has struck a deal to join the Los Angeles Chargers as their defensive coordinator under the helm of new head coach Jim Harbaugh.
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Prior to his tenure at Michigan, Minter served as Vanderbilt’s defensive coordinator for a season, following a three-year stint as an assistant with the Baltimore Ravens under Jim Harbaugh’s brother, John. Minter confirmed his departure from Michigan via social media.
Additionally, the Chargers are reportedly bringing aboard Michigan’s defensive line coach, Mike Elston, to fill the same role, as per a source confirming reports from the NFL Network. Elston, who spent the last two seasons with Jim Harbaugh and Minter at Michigan, previously had a lengthy tenure with Notre Dame.
Jim Harbaugh, who led Michigan for the past nine seasons, is assembling a coaching staff with key assistants from his alma mater for the Chargers, including strength and conditioning coach Ben Herbert. Furthermore, Jay Harbaugh, Jim Harbaugh’s son and a staff member at Michigan since 2015, is expected to join the Seattle Seahawks as their special teams coordinator, according to sources.
Amidst these changes, Steve Clinkscale remains as Michigan’s defensive backs coach and defensive passing game coordinator under new head coach Sherrone Moore.
Minter’s tenure at Michigan was marked by notable achievements, including being named a finalist for the Broyles Award in 2022, an honor given to the nation’s top assistant coach. Under Minter’s leadership, Michigan boasted the nation’s lowest points allowed per game (13.1 PPG) and ranked third nationally in yards per play allowed (4.47) during his two seasons as defensive coordinator.
Jesse Minter, son of longtime college coach Rick Minter, first stepped into a coordinator role in 2011 at Indiana State before holding similar positions at Georgia State.
