Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh decides on his new coordinators
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh is finalizing his revamped staff after losing coordinators Mike Macdonald and Josh Gattis, and today he took a big step. As expected, Vanderbilt D.C. Jesse Minter — another Baltimore Ravens assistant — is expected to be announced soon as defensive coordinator (ESPN’s Pete Thamel was first to report).
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Minter, a candidate to join the staff last year, interviewed recently and was expected to get the offer. He seemed No. 1 on the list after former Michigan linebacker Larry Foote, now the Tampa Bay Bucs’ linebackers coach, opted to take his name out of the running.
Sherrone Moore, meanwhile, will likely be elevated to offensive coordinator with more duties. The Michigan offensive line coach was already co-offensive coordinator last year, but he’s expected to call plays.
Harbaugh, of course, will also have a hand in the offense.
As we’ve said the last few days, Minter to D.C. always seemed the most logical play. Harbaugh looked at him last year for spots on staff before filling his staff, and he’s now got a year of coordinating experience under his belt.
Minter knows Mike Macdonald’s defense inside and out, and he’s also got recruiting experience. He seemed to be the natural next step, considered a bright young mind who cut his teeth under John Harbaugh at Baltimore.
Minter joined the Ravens in 2017, working as defensive assistant responsible for organizing details of quality control and self-scouting. He also conducted opponent analysis for both sides of the ball, heavily involved with the defense.
New Michigan D.C.’s duties yet to be determined
Whether or not Minter will work with a position group remains to be seen, but he worked closely with secondary coach Chris Hewitt assisting on-field with the defensive backs. That season, Baltimore led the NFL in interceptions (22) and turnover differential with a plus-17 mark. He also coached safeties, though some believe Jay Harbaugh will move from tight ends to that position this year.
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Grant Newsome, a graduate assistant and former lineman, has been discussed for tight ends.
Before arriving in Baltimore, Minter spent four seasons at Georgia State as the defensive coordinator. The Panthers’ defense seventh nationally in pass efficiency, 19th in average yards/play and 22nd in red zone defense. Minter was named the Sun Belt Conference’s top recruiter by Scout.com.
In 2015, Georgia State had the biggest scoring defense turnaround at the FBS level, allowing 15 fewer points/game than in 2014. The defense also improved by 122.3 fewer total yards/game allowed. The Panthers finished in the top four in the Sun Belt in scoring defense (28.3 points/game), total defense (405.6 yards/game), rushing defense (181.4 yards/game) and pass efficiency defense (120.3).
Minter was nominated for the 2015 Broyles Award, given to the best assistant coach in college football.
Secondary coach Steve Clinkscale is also expected to be elevated to co-defensive coordinator. Clinkscale’s contract stipulated a title and bump in pay should he meet certain criteria in the passing game.
Watch for more on these developments in the hours to come.
