LA interviews former Ravens DC to replace Jesse Minter
The Los Angeles Chargers had a great season in 2025. Los Angeles went 11-6 during the regular season, although they fumbled against New England in the playoffs. The Chargers had one of the best defenses in the league in 2025, making it inevitable that D.C. Jesse Minter would be hired as head coach. Now LA needs to find his replacement after he accepted the head coaching job in Baltimore.
In a strange twist of fate, LA has already asked to speak with one of Baltimore’s coaches to replace Minter.
The Chargers requested an interview Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr for the team’s vacant coordinator role, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Orr spent the past two seasons as the leader of Baltimore’s defense.
Interestingly, Orr previously worked alongside Minter with the Chargers. That past connection to LA makes the team’s decision to request an interview make a lot of sense.
It remains to be seen whether Minter would want Orr to remain as defensive coordinator. But Orr will likely want to explore his options after John Harbaugh left the Ravens. Minter may also want the opportunity to interview multiple candidates before hiring his DC.
The Ravens took a step back on defense in 2025. But at first glance, Orr doesn’t look like the one responsible for that regression.
Baltimore ranked around the middle of the NFL in yards and points allowed per game. Some of that regression is to be expected, as defensive success often fluctuates between seasons in the NFL.
But one big problem was the Baltimore pass rush, which produced only 30 bags during the regular season. That was tied for 30th in the league.
After all, the Chargers know Orr better than almost any other franchise in the NFL. Their interest suggests Orr has the knowledge and experience needed to thrive as a defensive coordinator. Even if the 2025 season was rough in Baltimore.
It will be fascinating to see if Orr becomes the top defensive coordinator candidate in Los Angeles.
2026-01-23 15:03:00
