Surging Chargers defense makes Jesse Minter a hot head-coaching candidate
With a 10-4 record and a playoff push, Los Angeles relies on a stout defense as coordinator Jesse Minter draws rising interest from NFL teams.
The Chargers’ surging defense has put defensive coordinator Jesse Minter squarely in the crosshairs of NFL head-coaching chatter as Los Angeles (10-4) sits on the brink of a playoff berth after a 16-13 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
With quarterback Justin Herbert dealing with a broken non-throwing hand behind a makeshift offensive line and an inconsistent run game, Minter’s unit has stepped up at a critical moment and helped keep the Chargers within reach of the postseason. In a 22-19 overtime win against the Philadelphia Eagles on Dec. 8, the defense generated five takeaways, did not allow a red-zone touchdown in two opportunities and made crucial plays on third down (4 of 13). To complete the season sweep of Kansas City, the unit added five sacks, allowed 2.3 yards per carry and generally stymied Patrick Mahomes. Minter deployed linebacker Daiyan Henley as a spy on Mahomes, after the quarterback scrambled for a 12-yard touchdown on the opening drive, helping keep the Chiefs out of the end zone for the final 53:52.
Those adjustments have Minter poised for a promotion in short order. “I’m Jesse Minter’s biggest fan,” Harbaugh said. “I don’t know of anybody who’s a bigger fan of Jesse Minter than I am. In fact, the Harbaughs love the Minters.” The coach is the son of longtime college and NFL trainer Rick Minter; Jesse cut his NFL teeth under John Harbaugh in Baltimore in 2017 before reuniting with Jim Harbaugh at Michigan in 2022. He followed Harbaugh to Los Angeles after helping the Wolverines win the national championship, and the Chargers have benefited with two strong defenses this season.
The Chargers rank second in yards allowed (279.1 per game) and sixth in yards per play (4.95), aligning their defensive excellence with a late-season surge that has them threatening a playoff berth even as a fragile offense fights through injuries and a lean rushing attack. If the defense maintains this form into January, more teams could be weighing Minter’s name for openings.
After a rocky start to the season producing takeaways, Los Angeles has totaled 10 interceptions in the past five games, including picks of Jalen Hurts and Mahomes in consecutive outings. Herbert and the offense have managed enough in close games to win, but personnel and line instability have limited floor for potential Super Bowl contention unless the unit continues its late-season ascent. Herbert was sacked four times and absorbed 12 additional hits, while the running back tandem of Omarion Hampton and Kimani Vidal produced just 3.48 yards per carry. Edge rushers Tuli Tuipulotu and Odafe Oweh complemented the defense with two sacks apiece, as the Chargers’ front pressured a depleted Chiefs offensive line. Tuipulotu has 12 sacks this season, and Oweh has six in nine games since being traded to Los Angeles.
Mekhi Becton’s first season with the Chargers has been disappointing, with another injury forcing him to share time with the recently acquired Trevor Penning on Sunday. The Chargers can consider moving on from Becton’s $ oneyear contract, as his performance has failed to justify a long-term investment. S R.J. Mickens suffered a shoulder injury, and Tony Jefferson’s ejection left the Chargers thin at safety; Harbaugh said there would be more information on Mickens’ status by Wednesday.
2013 marked the last time the Chargers swept the regular-season series against the Chiefs, a reminder that recent years have favored the franchise as it navigates a crowded AFC West landscape. The Chargers, who play at Dallas on Sunday, will likely need AFC West leader Denver to stumble against Jacksonville to keep their division hopes alive into the final week.