In a significant shake-up for the Michigan Wolverines, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is leaving the college ranks to join the Los Angeles Chargers' coaching staff, according to The Michigan Insider's Sam Webb. Minter, who previously served as a defensive assistant for the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL, will take on the role of defensive coordinator with the Chargers.

Minter's decision to leave Michigan was personally relayed to several defensive players during a meeting on Saturday morning. Over the past two years, Minter played an instrumental role in developing Michigan's defense into a top-10 unit nationally, consistently excelling in points allowed, total defense, and run defense.

During the Wolverines' victorious 2023 campaign, Minter's defensive prowess was on full display. Michigan's defense led the FBS in scoring defense and total defense, allowing just 10.4 points and 247.0 yards per game, respectively. Minter's near-flawless game plan played a crucial role in shutting down Washington's potent offensive attack during the College Football Playoff National Championship.

Minter's impact did not go unnoticed, as he was a finalist nominee for the prestigious Broyles Award, recognizing the best assistant coach in college football. He even stepped in as the interim head coach for Michigan's season-opener against East Carolina, leading the team to a convincing 30-3 victory while head coach Jim Harbaugh served his suspension.

Amidst speculation about potential NFL vacancies and even as a replacement head coach for Michigan, Minter has chosen to follow Harbaugh to the West Coast. Earlier in April, he had signed a contract extension with Michigan after guiding the team to a fifth-ranking nationally in total defense during his first season in Ann Arbor.

Before joining Michigan in 2022, Minter gained valuable coaching experience as the defensive coordinator and safeties coach for Vanderbilt in 2021. He also spent four years as a defensive assistant with the Baltimore Ravens under head coach John Harbaugh.

Minter's coaching journey began in 2006 as a defensive intern with Notre Dame, followed by a stint as a graduate assistant at Cincinnati Bearcats in 2007. He eventually rose through the ranks, becoming a position coach at Indiana State and eventually the defensive coordinator at Georgia State from 2013 to 2015.

With Minter's departure, newly appointed head coach Sherrone Moore will face the task of finding a replacement for the defensive coordinator position ahead of the upcoming 2024 season. The defending national champions are set to kick off the season against Fresno State on Saturday, August 31 in Ann Arbor.