Meet the man who has the Chargers playing historically stingy defense: Jesse Minter. The 41-year-old defensive coordinator has transformed the Los Angeles Chargers into a formidable force on the field, leading them to allow just 13.1 points per game, the lowest in the league.
As Denzel Perryman sat in the locker room, he reflected on his decade-long career in the NFL, which has included two stints with the Chargers. Drafted in the second round when the team was still based in San Diego, he has experienced coaching under four different defensive minds: John Pagano, Gus Bradley, DeMeco Ryans, and now Minter.
Perryman noted that while all four coaches have had varying levels of success, Minter’s knack for simplifying complex schemes while maintaining a positive atmosphere is particularly impressive. This approach mirrors Bradley’s success with the Chargers’ top 10 defenses in 2017 and 2018.
“He thrives off us making plays,” Perryman shared with FOX Sports. “When we make plays, you’ll see him jumping around on the sidelines as if he was on the field with us. Just seeing that excitement, that confidence he has in us and the belief he has in us makes it very fun to go out there and play for him.”
Minter’s energy is infectious, and it translates into the game. “He brings the juice with his playcalling,” Perryman added. “When we make plays, you can see the calls come to life and just the energy.” This enthusiasm has helped Minter quickly build one of the best defenses in the league.
The Chargers’ defense, using mostly the same personnel that struggled last season under Brandon Staley, has become one of the toughest in the league. They are on pace to become the first team since the 2013 Kansas City Chiefs to limit every opponent to 20 points or fewer in their first nine games.
Despite their impressive start, the Chargers face a challenging schedule ahead, beginning with a matchup against Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday night. Following that, they will take on the Ravens, Falcons, Chiefs, and Buccaneers, all teams with top-15 scoring offenses.
Minter’s background adds to his credibility. He comes from a coaching family, with his father Rick Minter serving as a senior defensive analyst for the Chargers and previously as head coach at the University of Cincinnati. This lineage has instilled a deep understanding of the game in him.
Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers’ head coach, praised Minter on the Pat McAfee Show, stating, “He knows offensive football almost as well as defensive football. He knows how offenses are going to try to attack. And there’s some playcallers that just have IT, too. He has IT.”
Harbaugh believes Minter could be a head coach in the near future, a sentiment echoed by versatile player Derwin James. “Hell yeah,” James affirmed. “He can be whatever he wants to be. He’s that guy. He’s that leader. The guys play hard for him, and I just feel like he’s that dude. Every day you know what you’re going to get with him. He’s consistent.”
James expressed hope that Minter’s head coaching opportunity is still a way off, as the Chargers aim for a Super Bowl under Harbaugh. He emphasized the defense’s versatility, which Minter has maximized. “He’s allowed me to move around, play different positions and be comfortable out there,” James said. “It feels good. He’s confident, but he’s not arrogant. He seems like he’s always got the answer — I don’t know how, but some way he’s always got the answer. It’s great having him.”
Minter elaborated on his strategy for using James effectively, stating, “It’s the fine line of what’s he best at and where can he best affect the game.” He values the flexibility James provides, allowing him to adjust the defense based on available talent.
The Chargers’ defensive prowess is complemented by a strong ball-control offense, a blueprint reminiscent of the strategies employed by Harbaugh’s brother, John, with the Ravens. This includes a focus on the running game, protecting the football, and excelling in special teams.
Currently, the Chargers are limiting opponents to an average of 111 rushing yards per game, ranking ninth in the NFL. Defensive tackle Poona Ford has been instrumental in this success as an up-field pass rusher.
Daiyan Henley, a promising linebacker in his second season, leads the team with 84 combined tackles, while fellow second-year player Tuli Tuipulotu tops the Chargers in sacks with 5.5. Veteran Khalil Mack has also made his mark, recording a team-high 33 pressures.
Minter praised Henley’s athleticism, noting, “His skill set just translates to this era of football in the National Football League. He’s playing with confidence. He’s communicating really well. I just look forward to seeing him try to get a little bit better every game.”
Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman acknowledged the impact Minter’s defense has had on his offensive development during training camp. “They present so many problems that you have to work through as a staff and as players,” Roman stated. “It’s very multiple. His scheme and how they do things just really gets you ready.”
Roman elaborated on the variety of challenges presented by Minter’s defense. “Every week is different. And when you have a defense that does so much, so well, it’s a big-time help during training camp to get you ready for the rigors of the season.”
Safety Elijah Molden leads the Chargers with three interceptions and appreciates Minter’s ability to adapt the defense based on available personnel each week. “I love it. I want to play for him for a long time,” Molden said. “It’s been a blessing. I’ve learned so much over the last two months, and I think he’s a great football mind, and he puts us in the best position every week.”
The Chargers franchise has a storied history of innovative offenses, from Hall of Fame receiver Lance Allworth to the Air Coryell days with Dan Fouts and Kellen Winslow, and later the prolific passing of Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates. However, the perception of the team as soft due to their sunny Southern California image is shifting.
With the arrival of a no-nonsense coach like Harbaugh and a dominant defense under Minter, the Chargers are changing that narrative. Perryman noted, “It’s a good change around here in general. It has been about the offense in the past. But the defense has kept the team up during certain seasons. But just to be a part of a complete team has been great. And hopefully, we can continue to do that.”
