SI:AM | Ravens’ New Leader

Former Chargers DC Jesse Minter is tasked with getting the franchise back on track

TYLER LAULETTA Good morning, I'm Tyler Lauletta, filling in once again for your usual host, Dan Gartland. If you enjoy today's newsletter, might I recommend that you subscribe to our other morning newsletter here, SI:CYMI? It comes with lots of lovely links to start your day. In today's SI:AM: 🐦‍⬛Ravens snag a brilliant defensive mind 🏆2026 CFP bracket 🏌️LIV changes The Ravens get their guy in Minter This year's coaching carousel has already been one of the most shocking in recent memory: teams have had to conduct their first coaching search in years after several of the league's longest-tenured coaches have either been shown the door or have moved on. The Ravens, who fired coach John Harbaugh after 18 seasons, have now filled their vacancy with Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. Minter was a hot name this coaching cycle, having landed interviews with the Raiders, Falcons, Steelers, Titans and Cardinals before ultimately deciding to take the top job in Baltimore. In Minter, the Ravens get a proven defensive mind who is just 42. It's doubly helpful that Baltimore is already familiar with Minter, as he worked as a defensive assistant with the Ravens from 2017-20. After a brief stint at Vanderbilt, Minter found himself in the employ of the other Harbaugh brother, Jim, as the defensive coordinator at Michigan. Minter then later followed him to Los Angeles when he took the Chargers' job. The familiarity Minter already has with the Ravens organization is sure to give him a running start in Baltimore, and fans should also be excited about the way his former players spoke of him. CONTINUE TYLER'S COLUMN ON SI The best of Sports Illustrated New Ravens coach Jesse Minter may have a very close link to John Harbaugh, but don't assume he'll bring more of the same in Baltimore, writes Gilberto Manzano. How will this weekend's NFL conference championships play out? Matt Verderame previews both games and offers his predictions. Will the Hoosiers return to the College Football Playoff? Bryan Fischer and Pat Forde answer that question and look ahead with their way-too-early 2026 playoff brackets. Bob Harig explores how LIV Golf's 2026 roster of players changed due to forces beyond relegation alone. Jenna Tonelli goes inside how Gotham FC, after a short offseason, is preparing for the FIFA Women's Champions Cup. Theo Lloyd-Hughes breaks down Trinity Rodman's unprecedented NWSL contract with the Washington Spirit. Get the print edition of Sports Illustrated delivered to your door. Click to subscribe! Mike Frey/magn Images 👀 The top five ... … things I saw last night: 5. Tyrese Maxey's new hat. 4. In separate games, the Bruins and Penguins scored three goals in less than a minute. If that happens, it should be an instant game over. 3. Troll Embiid is back, baby. 2. This ridiculous point from Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open. 1. Wemby did another thing only Wemby can do. The best of SI Video ESPN anchor Scott Van Pelt joins the SI Media with Jimmy Traina podcast, where he talks about possibly taking over the old Around the Horn time slot, his love for Diet Coke and a number of topics. Sign up for SI Newsletters Stay ahead of the game—sign up for all of SI's newsletters, from golf and soccer to MMQB, and never miss a moment. Get it in your inbox We may receive compensation for some links to products and services included in this email. Sports Publishing Solutions Inc. 155 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 202 New York, New York 10013 You are receiving this email because you are subscribed to the SI:AM newsletter. You can unsubscribe here . Privacy Policy – Terms & Conditions © 2025 Sports Publishing Solutions Inc. All rights reserved. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. All betting and gambling content included in the SI:AM newsletter is intended for individuals 21+ (18+ in DC, KY, NH, RI, and WY). Betting and gambling content, including picks and predictions, are based on individual commentators' opinions and we do not guarantee any success or profits. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER or texting 800GAM. Click this link to view the newsletter in your browser.