Jesse Minter departs a defense that he helped make a league stalwart. How much will Derwin James Jr. and crew feel his absence?
The Chargers' new defensive coordinator has big shoes to fill. The recently concluded Jesse Minter era was one with high defensive efficiency and rankings. This was the complete opposite of what they were before he arrived. With centerpieces like the versatile Derwin James Jr., the Chargers really put up some impressive numbers and earned James All-Pro selections along the way.
The point of it all
In the first of two years under Minter, the Chargers' defense ranked 1st in opponents' points per game, allowing a measly 17.7. They had a run of allowing under twenty points 10 times during their last 11 games that year. They stayed in the top ten of this category last year, finishing an impressive 9th. This time, the team allowed an even 20 per game and kept SoFi Stadium a fortress.
Shutting down the pass
The last two years, they ranked 7th and 5th, respectively in pass yards per game. Capping Minter's run by coming in second in interceptions and tenth in sacks in year two.
The year before his tenure, they ranked 30th in overall yards given up. Not only did they fix that, but in the pivotal redzone, they led the league in 2024 by giving up touchdowns only 45% of the time. This past year they ranked second.
Third down was the charm
In both years under Minter, the Chargers ranked fifth-best in stopping opponents on third down. The versatility of James in playing the pass and run equally well was really key here. Khalil Mack put up 5.5 sacks, which is a low number for him over his career, but he has also obviously been playing a long time. New playmakers may have to come in in relief through the draft or free agency.
Where do they go from here?
With a huge gap to fill with the departing Minter, who took the Ravens job, and Mike McDaniel interviewing for the Bills role, the Chargers could all of a sudden have some gaps to fill with a shrinking candidate pool. They'll need to maximize their talent around Justin Herbert, Jim Harbaugh, and whatever combination of coordinators he goes with, so they don't waste their years with the star quarterback under the hefty contract they signed him to.
James congratulated his former coordinator on X. It remains to be seen just how much the star will miss him, and how that might impact his own contract negotiations.