Joel Klatt: There is a 'good chance' that Jesse Minter is soon in the NFL

Michigan just capped off an undefeated, national title-winning season in part due to their elite defense led by Jesse Minter. Now, after an impressive campaign as the Wolverines’ defensive coordinator, Joel Klatt isn’t sure how much longer he will be in Ann Arbor either.

Klatt sang Minter’s praises on his show on Tuesday in his recap and analysis of Michigan’s victory in the national championship over Washington. After getting to be around him more and more this season, Klatt has found himself more than impressed with him more often than not.

“A guy that I don’t think gets enough credit? And probably a lot of it is because of the sign-stealing saga, if you will. But Jesse Minter, the defensive coordinator for Michigan, is one hell of a coach,” said Klatt. “I have enjoyed, thoroughly, getting a chance to meet and talk football with him. He is so bright, great game plans.”

“There are times when I go into a meeting and I realize, like, oh my gosh? This team is going to win. This coach knows exactly what’s going on, his game plan is perfect. He sees it. Like, good luck to the other team. That happens a lot with Jesse Minter – a lot,” Klatt said. “It doesn’t happen a lot all the time but it happens a lot with him.”

Minter has been the defensive coordinator for the maize & blue for the past two seasons. In 2022, the unit was seventh best in the country by allowing just 16.1 points and under 300 yards per game. In 2023, those numbers were even more stout. Michigan finished with the No. 1 defense that allowed just 10.4 points and under 250 yards per contest.

That included the championship win last night. Against one of the nation’s most prolific offenses, the Wolverines held the Huskies to a season-low of 13 points by forcing them to go 2-14 on third down, getting two interceptions, and keeping them 160 yards off their average.

Still, with a background in the pros, Klatt may have unsettled from Wolverine fans by suggesting that it may not be long until he earns himself a gig in the National Football League.

“He’s a young guy and there’s a good chance that he’s going to be in the NFL really soon,” Klatt said. “I know that’s where he cut his teeth. I think that’s where he wants to end up eventually, although that would be a huge miss for college football.”

As one of the best assistants in the nation, Minter is due for a promotion and one that’ll likely come in the near future. For now, though, he’s Michigan’s to appreciate, especially after organizing a championship-winning defense this year.

“Jesse Minter is about as good as they come,” said Klatt.

“This dude is elite. He’s elite. The game plan he had on Monday night was tremendous,” Klatt said. “Minter was amazing in this game. He really was.”