Why Jesse Minter is a Raiders HC Candidate

Will the Las Vegas Raiders hire Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter for their head coaching opening?

Aug 16, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter watches from the sidelines against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders are searching for their next head coach. 

For a team that has struggled to find a long-term option over the last half-decade, General Manager John Spytek and minority owner Tom Brady hope to find a coach who can stick around. There are plenty of good candidates who have the chance to be long-term options. 

Las Vegas Raiders GM John Spytek, and minority owner Tom Brady | Darrell Craig Harris, On SI

One of those coaches is Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. A former Michigan coach who will certainly draw attention from two Wolverine alumni in Spytek and Brady, Minter has done an excellent job with the Chargers’ defense. 

What makes Minter such an attractive head coaching candidate? Let’s break down why the Raiders requested an interview with him. 

Jesse Minter’s resume 

Jun 16, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter watches during organized team activities at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Minter has been LA’s DC for the last two seasons, joining head coach Jim Harbaugh after he departed from the Wolverines in 2024. Since then, he has turned the Chargers into one of the NFL's better defensive units. 

Before he was with Michigan, Minter made stops at different colleges in various positions, while also spending time with the Baltimore Ravens in different roles. He has a wealth of collegiate and NFL experience, which should be enticing for the Raiders.

This season, the Chargers ranked seventh in the league in defensive EPA/play at -0.09, meaning they reduced a team’s chances of scoring a touchdown after every snap on the defensive side of the ball. 

For those who enjoy simpler stats, LA was fifth in the league in total defense (285.2 yards allowed per game), fifth in passing defense (179.9), eighth in run defense (105.4), and ninth in scoring defense (20.0 PPG allowed). 

Sep 15, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) misses a catch as Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. (3) defends during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images | Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Not only has Minter done excellent work with an oft-injured group, but he is a young coach who can adapt his scheme or change if needed. Older coaches often get stuck in their ways, but that would not be the case with Minter. 

The biggest question about Minter would be who he brings on his offensive staff. The Chargers have struggled on that side of the ball this season, so Raider fans might not want to see him add a familiar face to lead his offense. 

Aug 7, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter at press conference during training camp at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Raiders have a few intriguing defensive pieces that may entice Minter to take the job, including a franchise cornerstone in Maxx Crosby and a few young players like Tonka Hemingway and Isaiah Pola-Mao. 

Minter would be making an inter-division change, but he has all the capabilities of a successful head coach. Stay with us at Raiders On SI as we bring you the latest developments in the coaching search.

Never again miss one major story related to your beloved Las Vegas Raiders when you sign up for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes straight to your email with the latest news.  Not only is it 100% FREE, but we also don’t spam you or sell your information.  SIGN UP HERE NOW.

Find us on X (formerly Twitter) @HondoCarpenter and @EZTrez_SI and weigh in on the Raiders. While here, check out our Facebook page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE to discuss who the Raiders might hire as their head coach.