New Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter has promised that he will not try to imitate longtime head coach John Harbaugh during his tenure.
After not making the playoffs for the first time since 2021, the Baltimore Ravens have moved on from head coach John Harbaugh.
Harbaugh held the position in Baltimore for 18 seasons, bringing home a Super Bowl Championship, went to the playoffs 12 times, and won an NFL record eight road playoff games. He was named AP Coach of the Year in 2019 and will surely go into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Now, the Ravens are moving into the Jesse Minter era. Minter has been a hugely successful defensive coordinator in the NFL and NCAA, helping Michigan win the College Football Playoff national championship and making the Los Angeles Chargers one of the best defenses in the NFL. Both feats were accomplished under the leadership of Jim Harbaugh, John Harbaugh's brother.
Now, Minter has an important goal heading into the 2026 NFL Season: build off of the excellent foundation built by John Harbaugh without imitating him or his brother.
"I've talked to coach a couple times," Minter said at his inaugural press conference. "Tons of respect for John. The 18 years here. Wonderful success. A Super Bowl. Probably in the Ring of Honor one day. ... He did text me 'I think they should hire you.' I appreciated that.
"Really just take the foundation in place and build on it. And make it better. And put my own spin on it. And not try to be John Harbaugh, not try to be Jim Harbaugh. Be myself. Connect with everybody. Make it about all of us. And I really look forward to doing that."
Meanwhile, John Harbaugh is moving on to his new position: head coach of the New York Giants. Still, he has nothing but love for his former team and city, going so far as to take a whole page ad in The Baltimore Sun to show his appreciation to the players, the staff, and the fans.
"Through the years we've shared unforgettable moments of shared triumph and excellence, along with steadfast determination in the face of trial and adversity," Harbaugh said. "We have lived it all together. Your unwavering allegiance to support your team and to make your presence felt, always made this team and franchise the best it could be."
Now, it will just be a matter of time to see whether Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti made the right decision and if Minter can maintain the quality that Baltimore has become known for because of coaches like John Harbaugh.