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he Los Angeles Chargers are locked in for a brand new season. Coming off of an 11-6 campaign in 2024, the Chargers enter 2025 with a lot to prove, hoping that they can build off of last season and go a deep playoff run. Investing heavily in acquiring new talent, the Chargers are hungrier than ever.
But last season, the main talking point of the Chargers was their defense. Led by defensive coordinator, Jesse Minter, the Chargers defense only gave up 301 points all season long– the lowest in the NFL. And with Minter showing just how good of a coach he is, it would not be surprising to see him in the mix for a head coaching job down the line. In fact, NFL executives think that Minter could be a head coach as early as 2026.
Could Minter Soon Be a Head Coach in the NFL?
The defensive coordinator for Michigan during the program’s national championship run in 2023, Minter was an integral part of the team’s success and after Jim Harbaugh took the Chargers job following the season, Minter was one of the first coaches that Harbaugh brought with him. And while Minter does have NFL experience, working as an assistant coach with the Baltimore Ravens for years, 2024 was his first season as a top assistant, and he quickly burst onto the scene.
Jeff Howe of The Athletic believes that for teams that will be in the market for a new coach in 2026, Minter should be at the top of the list when it comes to candidates. Only 42-years-old, Minter is very young and in today’s era where teams prefer to hire younger coaches, Minter fits the mold.
“If you’re looking for potential head-coaching candidates, it would be wise to start with Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter,” Howe said. “One rival executive was adamant he’ll be a head coach soon, perhaps as early as 2026.”
Which Teams Could Look for a New Coach in ’26?
CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan wrote an article on Jun. 27 ranking which NFL coaches are on the hot seat heading into the 2025 campaign. Naming five, Sullivan listed Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott, Indianapolis Colts coach Shane Steichen, Cincinnati Bengals coach Zac Taylor, Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel and New York Giants coach Brian Daboll as the five coaches who are coaching for their jobs this season.
And when it comes to which teams are most likely to part ways with their current coaches, the Giants and Dolphins are the two teams under the most scrutiny. Under Daboll, the Giants are 18-32-1 with only one playoff appearance to show for it. And while quarterback play has been the franchise’s biggest issue during Daboll’s tenure, the Giants hope that bringing in Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston and Jaxson Dart will help Daboll find more success.
McDaniel led the Dolphins to playoffs in his first two seasons and only has one losing season– 8-9 last season. But during his tenure, the Dolphins have been unable to get over that hump despite fielding high-powered offenses and if McDaniel can’t make the most of what he has this season, it could lead to a change. If both McDaniel and/or Daboll get fired, expect Minter to be high on the list of candidates.