The Atlanta Falcons are actively seeking their next head coach, with Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter emerging as a prominent candidate. This interview marks one of several conducted by the Falcons as they evaluate potential leaders for their team. Minter brings a wealth of experience from both professional and university-level football, having significantly contributed to the defensive strategies of various organizations. His strong performance with the Chargers' defense has positioned him as an attractive option for teams looking to fill head coaching vacancies.
On a particularly busy Thursday, the Falcons formally announced their discussion with Jesse Minter regarding the head coach position. This engagement follows their interview with Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley earlier the same day. These two individuals are among the eight candidates the Falcons have engaged with so far in their comprehensive search for new leadership.
Minter's recent tenure with the Los Angeles Chargers concluded with his second season, where his defensive unit achieved notable success. During the 2025 regular season, the Chargers' defense ranked impressively, securing fifth place in total defense by allowing an average of 285.2 yards per game. Furthermore, they demonstrated their effectiveness in preventing opponents from scoring, finishing ninth in scoring defense with an average of 20.0 points allowed per game.
At 42 years old, Jesse Minter possesses a well-rounded coaching resume that spans both the National Football League and collegiate athletics. His professional journey includes a period as a defensive assistant and defensive backs coach for the Baltimore Ravens from 2016 to 2020. Additionally, he held defensive coordinator roles at Vanderbilt University in 2021 and at the University of Michigan from 2022 to 2023, showcasing his ability to lead and develop defensive strategies at different levels of competition.
The Falcons are not alone in recognizing Minter's potential. On the same Thursday, he was also scheduled for an interview with the Miami Dolphins. Prior to these discussions, Minter had already engaged with several other NFL franchises, including the Arizona Cardinals, the Las Vegas Raiders, the Tennessee Titans, and his former team, the Baltimore Ravens. This widespread interest underscores his reputation as a highly sought-after coaching talent.
Beyond Minter and Hafley, the Falcons' extensive search has included discussions with a diverse group of experienced coaches. This list features notable figures such as former Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, who is reportedly being considered for the Giants' coaching role, ex-Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, and former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. The team also interviewed Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, as well as Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and defensive coordinator Aden Durde, indicating a thorough and wide-ranging evaluation process for their top coaching spot.
The Atlanta Falcons are in the midst of a thorough selection process for their next head coach, having recently interviewed Jesse Minter, the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers. Minter's candidacy is bolstered by his strong defensive performance with the Chargers and his varied coaching background across both professional and collegiate football. His engagement with multiple NFL teams highlights his appeal as a leading coaching prospect as the Falcons continue to assess various candidates for their top leadership position.