Cardinals interview new name for head coach in Chargers DC Jesse Minter

Cardinals interview new name for head coach in Chargers DC Jesse MinterStory byBurn City SportsAug 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 ImagesTanner TortorellaWed, January 14, 2026 at 2:04 AM UTC·2 min read

GLENDALE – A 10th name has been connected to the Arizona Cardinals for their head coach opening. The initial eight-name list was heavily filled with NFL coordinator, mostly defensive and this new name is no different. After his team was eliminated Sunday night, Los Angeles defensive coordinator Jesse Minter will interview Arizona for the position.

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

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Why Minter with Cardinals could work:

For the past two season with the Chargers, he has helped coach a defense that has been top 10 in points allowed and yards allowed, including the number one ranked scoring defense in 2024. Minter has been under the tutelage of many stellar coaching minds. The 42-year-old was assistant to current Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald with the Baltimore Ravens, which means he was also under the leadership of John Harbaugh.

After four years in that system Minter went to the college level to become a defensive coordinator at Vanderbilt for a season until getting the opportunity at Michigan. Minter and then Wolverine head coach Jim Harbaugh helped the program win a National Championship in 2023, before the pair went off to the NFL for the Chargers gig.

Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) reacts after a pass defense against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

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Hiring Minter would be a stellar move for the Cardinals to develop one of their young prosects in cornerback Will Johnson. The former second-round pick was a part of that 2023 National title team and played his best football under Minter’s defense.

The Cardinals have a history of hiring coordinators to be a first-time head coach, and Minter could be the franchise’s way of continuing that trend.

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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports

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