Jesse Minter looking forward to the challenge of proving Jim Harbaugh right as Michigan's interim in Week 1

Jesse Minter refuses to let Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh down. After the program announced Harbaugh would miss the Wolverine’s first three games due to a self-inflicted suspension, it released who will replace Harbaugh for each contest.

As defensive coordinator, Minter will be the first to attempt to fill Harbaugh’s shoes. On Monday, Minter discussed his emotions heading into the challenge.

“There’s a lot of resources in our building,” Minter said. “Certainly my dad [defensive analyst Rick Minter has] 10 years experience as a head coach and a lot of other coaches that I’ve had a chance to be around. The cool thing is that [Harbaugh] is here all week. Maybe the scenario is different if he’s out of the building or if he’s not around and there are so many more things to keep your pulse on.

“[I] certainly want to be a resource for our offense, for our special teams and want to be able to manage the game in a way Coach Harbaugh would and make him proud, and really just prove him right. So certainly leaning on all the resources I have available and look forward to the challenge.”

The challenge is certainly a step into the unknown for Minter, who is only entering his second season as Michigan’s DC. Nonetheless, Minter already boasts numerous accolades. In 2022, the Wolverines’ defense ranked No. 6 in the NCAA in total defense.

Although leading the team into the season opener is certainly a lot of pressure, Minter will only have to fill the head coach role for one game. In Week 2, the role will be split between special teams coordinator/safeties coach Jay Harbaugh (first half) and running backs coach Mike Hart (second half).

Offensive line coach/offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore will get behind the steering wheel for the team’s third and final non-conference contest against Bowling Green on Sept. 16. Minter claims it won’t be easy to replace Harbaugh.

“It’s just a presence,” Minter said about Harbaugh’s influence. “One thing about Coach Harbaugh that is he just breeds confidence into our players. He has such a strong belief in our guys. He certainly recruited all of them and been in their homes and I think his level of confidence in our players is something that I see every day, and I see the power that that has.”

Hopefully for Michigan fans, Minter can summon some of that power. On Sept. 2, the Wolverines will kick off their 2023 campaign against the East Carolina Pirates.