Joel Klatt would be shocked if Jesse Minter was not brought with Jim Harbaugh to Chargers

Jim Harbaugh is heading to the NFL — and he might bring some familiar faces along with him.

According to Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt, he believes it would be in Harbaugh’s best interest to have Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter with him to the Los Angeles Chargers.

“Jesse Minter, the defensive coordinator, I would be shocked if he’s not the coordinator for the Chargers,” Klatt said on Thursday. “Look at the success that Mike Macdonald has had running the same defense as the coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. That’s one of, if not the best defense in the National Football League. Michigan was the best defense — and by the way — is statistically one of the historically great defenses that we’ve ever seen.

“15-0, national champions, Jesse cut his teeth in the NFL as a Ravens assistant. Kind of an analyst-style assistant with Mike Macdonald and he’s always wanted to get back to the National Football League to test himself on the highest level. This is going to be his opportunity.”

Under Jim Harbaugh this season, Michigan finished the 2023-24 college football season ranked No. 1 in the country in total defense. The Wolverines had also allowed 17 total touchdowns all season long — also the best in the country. That’s just scratching the surface, as Michigan finished the year also ranked in the top five in almost every defensive statistical category.

Harbaugh hired Minter during the 2022 offseason after spending one season as defensive coordinator at Vanderbilt. Before that, he was on John Harbaugh’s staff in Baltimore for four seasons in various roles, concluding with him coaching the defensive backs in 2020.

A return to the NFL was always in sight for Jim Harbaugh, and if he can bring his coveted defensive coordinator along with him — it should make Chargers fans all the more excited for what Harbaugh can bring to LA.

Now inheriting a Chargers team that just finished a 5-12 season — even if he has his DC — Harbaugh will have his work cut out for him turning the franchise around as quickly as possible. Offensively, it will be interesting to see how Harbaugh meshes with quarterback Justin Herbert, and whether or not he can utilize him better than former coach Brandon Staley was able to.

Of course, Harbaugh has won everywhere that he has been and that expectation remains the same as he migrates back to the NFL in 2024.