The Chargers have undergone a complete identity change in 2024. First up is head coach Jim Harbaugh, who has always been known for having physical football teams.
Los Angeles has prioritized winning in the trenches, which was evident when selecting Joe Alt fifth overall over an elite wide receiver talent. In addition to Harbaugh, however, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter has also played a large role in the team's identity transformation.
The defense looked much better in 2024 under Minter, who is in his first year in the NFL. Harbaugh acknowledged Minter may not stay with the team long.
“We’ll probably just have to enjoy Jesse Minter while we have him because I have a feeling he’s going to be the head coach next year. We’re going to fight him,” Harbaugh said on The Pat McAfee Show.
If things continue as they are, Minter will undoubtedly be a top coaching candidate this coming offseason. There will be a few obvious openings around the league, and the young DC will likely get at least a few interviews.
In 2024, the Chargers are the lowest scoring defense in the league. In fact, they have allowed 28 fewer points than the second-best defense, the Steelers. Minter's unit ranks in the top 10 in both run defense (9th) and pass defense (9th).
“He’s just intuitive. He knows offensive football almost as well as defensive football. He knows how an attacker will try to attack. There are some playcallers that just have it too, he has it,” Harbaugh said of Minter.
Suddenly, the Chargers appear to have one of the best coaching staffs in the league. We couldn't have said that in previous seasons and it has completely changed this team.
