5 defensive coordinator options for new Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh
The Chargers hired Jim Harbaugh to be the new head coach on Wednesday.
While Los Angeles still needs to find a general manager, the next thing on the to-do list is to fill out the coaching staff. Harbaugh will make the decision on who he wants on his staff in 2024.
That said, here are five options for the team’s defensive coordinator.
Jesse Minter, Michigan defensive coordinator
This seems like the most likely option to fill the spot, given Minter was on Harbaugh’s staff at Michigan, where he led college football’s top-ranked defense in 2023. The Wolverines finished first in both scoring defense and yards allowed. Minter has experience working for one of the best teams in the NFL, the Ravens, as an assistant for four seasons, ultimately working his way up to defensive backs coach in 2020 before one season at Vanderbilt.
Ed Donatell, Former Vikings defensive coordinator
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Donatell comes with a lot of coaching experience, 42 years to be exact, with 31 seasons in the NFL. He’s been the defensive coordinator of the Packers (2000-03), Falcons (2004-06), Commanders (2008), Broncos (2019-21) and Vikings (2022). Donatell is familiar with Harbaugh as he was added to the 49ers coaching staff as defensive backs coach in 2011 until 2014.
Ejiro Evero, Panthers defensive coordinator
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After having one of the worst defenses in the league, Evero stepped in and engineered a quick turnaround to the Panthers’ defense. Carolina finished third in passing yards and total yards allowed and sixth in passing touchdowns allowed in 2023. Evero spent four seasons working alongside Harbaugh in San Francisco, where he served as a quality control coach and offensive and defensive assistant.
Anthony Weaver, Ravens assistant head coach and defensive line coach
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Jim could turn to his brother, John, for possible candidate suggestions, and Weaver would likely be thrown out there. Weaver has been working on the defensive side of the ball following a seven-year playing career. He’s worked with stars like J.J. Watt and Jadaveon Clowney. Weaver has learned from notable coaches, including Mike Vrabel, Romeo Crennel and Rex Ryan. The Ravens led the league in sacks during the regular season (60).
Chris Hewitt, Ravens pass defense coordinator and secondary coach
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Another coach from the Ravens who is worthy of being a defensive coordinator is Hewitt, who’s in his ninth season of overseeing their defensive backfield. Baltimore has one of the stingiest secondaries in the NFL, finishing the regular season third in passing yards allowed and interceptions. Hewitt has worked with multiple Pro Bowlers, including Kyle Hamilton, Marlon Humphrey, Marcus Peters, Earl Thomas III and Eric Weddle.
