DEFENSE has been a key to the Chargers success (Joaquin Torre/Chargers photo).

By Dan Greenspan
Associated Press

EL SEGUNDO (AP) — There’s a good reason why Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter has been on those lists of prospective head coaching candidates all season long.

The past two weeks, including a 16-13 win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, have only served to solidify why the 42-year-old Minter will be in demand.

“It has just been great,” coach Jim Harbaugh said. “Just calling a great game and coordinating and getting us ready for it.”

JESSE MINTER
Chargers defensive coordinator.

In a 22-19 overtime win against the Philadelphia Eagles on Dec. 8, the defense forced five takeaways, didn’t allow a red-zone touchdown in two opportunities and held strong on third down (4 of 13).

To complete the Chargers’ season sweep of the Chiefs, the defense came up with five sacks, allowed 2.3 yards per carry and was generally able to limit Patrick Mahomes.

Minter successfully deployed linebacker Daiyan Henley as a spy after Mahomes scrambled for a 12-yard touchdown on Kansas City’s opening drive, helping keep the Chiefs out of the end zone for the final 53:52. Those sorts of adjustments have Minter in line 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 son of longtime college and NFL coach Rick Minter, Jesse got his first NFL seasoning under John Harbaugh in Baltimore starting in 2017 before joining Jim Harbaugh at Michigan in 2022.

Minter then followed Harbaugh to Los Angeles after helping the Wolverines winning the national championship, and he has overseen two outstanding defenses for the Chargers.

They rank second in yards allowed (279.1) and sixth in yards per play (4.95) this season, elevating their performance just in time for the stretch run.

If the defense can maintain this strong form into January, other teams might have to wait a little longer before trying to hire Minter.