No one can accuse Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry of “going home early” as he leads the search for the club’s next head coach.
With Monday being the first day that teams can schedule in-person interviews with coaches who are still employed, Berry has lined up second interviews with:
- Current defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz
- Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken
- Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Grant Udinski
- Former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel
- Los Angeles Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase
That is a busy week, indeed, but Berry has found more time on his calendar as NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero is now reporting that the Browns will welcome Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter for a second interview.
Minter took over the Chargers’ defense in 2024 after spending two years as the defensive coordinator at the University of Michigan. He followed head coach Jim Harbaugh out west after the Chargers named Harbaugh as head coach.
In 2024, Minter’s defense finished 11th in the NFL in total defense, allowing 324.4 yards per game, and was the top defense in allowing just 17.7 points per game. This past season, the Chargers were fifth in total defense, allowing 285.2 yards per game, fifth in passing yards at 179.9 yards per game, and allowed 20 points per game.
The Chargers earned a Wild Card berth in both seasons, but were one-and-done, falling to the Houston Texans in 2024 and the New England Patriots this season.
And on a note that will delight fans, Minter was a wide receiver at Mount St. Joseph University in Delhi, Ohio, from 2002 to 2005. So he should rank somewhat relatively high on the “he gets us meter” since he spent time in the state.
How do you feel about Minter as a candidate, particularly in comparison to the other candidates? Do you prefer the next head coach to be someone young with innovative ideas, or a longtime coach who might be more set in their ways? Let us know in the comments!
