Key Takeaways from Baltimore’s New HC’s Introductory Press Conference
“Physical, Tough, Relentless, Together”. That is how new Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter described the play and coaching style he envisions for his new squad. An idea to build on the historic foundation of what it means to ‘Play Like a Raven’ and develop the player-to-player, player-to-coach, and coach-to-coach connections. A new era has started in Baltimore, and it began with Minter’s introductory press conference, which started with praise to the Chargers and Ravens organizations and his own family, ending with plenty of tidbits to take away as the NFL prepares for the true beginning of the offseason.
Calling His Own Defense
One of the first questions was whether Minter plans to call his own defense or leave it to the defensive coordinator. Minter said that he will be calling the defensive plays, saying defense is one of his strengths and one of the reasons that he is “sitting here today”. There was an additional question about the status of various coaching hires, including the offensive and defensive coordinator positions. While Minter said he could not confirm anything, they are finalizing some details to help shape the coaching staff so they can get started on a free agency, draft, and game plan for 2026. This statement shows that, despite the departure of former OC Todd Monken, Zach Orr’s position as DC is not safe, and they are exploring a new coordinator to supplement Minter’s defensive mind.
Repeated Mention of Relationship Building
It is no secret that the Ravens have a great roster already built. The quality of the players on the roster means nothing if the players are not “all-in” on the coaching staff. MVP QB Lamar Jackson and Minter have had numerous conversations after the hiring announcement, but the relationship is not built overnight, as it won’t be with anyone on the roster. Minter is excited to work with Lamar, connect with him, and help him continue to develop into the best player he can be. Ravens’ fans already believe Lamar is the best player in the league, but Minter aims to make him better than that. Also, it is worth mentioning that despite the questions surrounding Lamar’s contracts and overall future with the Ravens, the two-time MVP also seems on board to work with Minter, according to Minter’s description of their conversations on the Ravens Lounge podcast. As for other players on the roster, many do not know Minter from his time as a defensive assistant and DB coach more than five years ago. He wants to build relationships with all players on both sides of the ball to create a cohesive unit that fights not just for themselves and their individual goals, but also for their teammates and the team's overall goals on the field, embodying what it means to ‘Play Like A Raven’.
All-Inclusive Interview Process
The decision to hire Minter was not made by just owner Steve Bisciotti and general manager Eric DeCosta by themselves. The first round consisted of at least 20 candidates who were interviewed via Zoom, phone call, or in person by DeCosta and Bisciotti, as well as by team President Sashi Brown, President Emeritus Dick Cass, and others in the front office. Additionally, DeCosta mentioned that there was a small group of unnamed, invested veterans on both sides of the ball who inquired to be in the interview process, asking questions and speaking with most, if not all, five or more finalists. It can be assumed that at least Lamar Jackson and Kyle Hamilton were included, as they are the centerpieces of the roster. That group will also be included in the interview process of the offensive and defensive coordinators. Even in calling Minter’s former counterparts or players that he coached, they had nothing but high praise for Minter, who was still in the interview process.
The biggest takeaway of Minter’s press conference is that he plans to be his own person. Minter has had plenty of role models through his non-head coaching career, from his father and current senior defensive analyst for the Chargers, Rick, and both Harbaugh brothers, John and Jim. "I love John, really just like, take the foundation in place and build on it, make it better, put my own spin on it and not try to be John Harbaugh, not try to be Jim Harbaugh," Minter said. "Be myself, connect with everybody, make it about all of us. I really look forward to doing that… The 'we' is important. It takes everybody to be successful. I look forward to empowering our players and the coaches that we bring in. We will create our own standards that will allow us to reach our ultimate goals together."
