Chargers News: New Bolts DC Jesse Minter Has Huge Plans For Derwin James
Your Los Angeles Chargers' defense was atrocious throughout the 2023 season. Despite having the talent, on paper, the Bolts fell flat on their face in that department, which played a huge factor in their shortcomings.
However, the organization is looking for all that to change, so head coach Jim Harbaugh brought along his defensive coordinator from Michigan, Jesse Minter. Minter will get his first crack at coaching his own defense at the professional level. He's looking to take advantage of the weapons on the defense and get the best out of them.
One player Minter is excited to coach is L.A.'s All-Pro safety Derwin James Jr. In a recent interview with the Chargers team website, Minter couldn't help but express his excitement toward coaching a star like James.
"I'm really, really excited about Derwin, and I've gotten a chance to get to know him a little bit, just an unbelievable person, unbelievable leader," Minter told the Chargers team website in an interview published Monday. "The type of mindset that we want to have here on defense is really kind of how he plays already. I'm excited just to sort of try to unleash Derwin.
"I think he can really affect the game in a lot of ways. He's a dynamic blitzer, he's dynamic close to the ball. An elite cover guy, particularly on tight ends. And then he's a physical presence over the middle of the field at the safety position. We want to put him in a position to use his strengths and do all that stuff to the best of his ability."
Although James has remained a threat on defense, his game has yet to evolve to the next level. His growth under former head coach Brandon Staley was nonexistent; however, Minter hopes to change all that.
James recorded a career-high in total tackles with 125 in 2023, but his impact went unnoticed due to the poor Charger defense throughout the year. He's still only 27 years old, and if he remains in powder blue, Minter will undoubtedly do great work with the three-time Pro Bowler.
Minter led the Michigan Wolverines to the best defense in the country last season. He'll look to do the same in his first year with the Bolts.
