Chargers DC Jesse Minter becomes second coach to back out of Browns job

Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter

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Matthew Couden

By Matthew Couden

Contributing Writer

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With the NFL coaching landscape becoming extremely busy after the season ended and during the playoffs, various teams have found their new head coaches.

Following the firing of John Harbaugh by the Baltimore Ravens, he quickly became one of the top candidates for the team's head-coaching vacancy. He ultimately accepted the New York Giants' job. The Cleveland Browns also fired head coach Kevin Stefanski after a losing season.

However, Stefanski was also a popular candidate, and he's since become the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. Meanwhile, the head coaching vacancy remains open after a second candidate backed out.

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On Thursday, Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter reportedly backed out of the Browns job interview he had scheduled today, per Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot. According to Cabot's report, Minter likely feels more certain about other available head-coaching jobs.

Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter

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Minter has served as the Chargers' defensive coordinator under head coach Jim Harbaugh since 2024. He also has experience working with the Baltimore Ravens in defensive coaching roles, as well as with several high-profile college programs, including Michigan and Vanderbilt.

He joined former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, among candidates who backed out of a seemingly unpopular job with the Browns.

Meanwhile, McDaniel is reportedly joining the Chargers' staff as their new offensive coordinator, suggesting he wants to be part of a playoff-ready team featuring a top head coach and a winning quarterback in Justin Herbert.

Despite having talented players on their lineup, the Browns finished this past season with a 4-13 overall record amid quarterback issues. They eventually began playing rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders in their final games of the season after their previous starter, Dillon Gabriel, left a game with a concussion.

It's unclear what the future holds for the organization or its young quarterbacks. They currently have the No. 6 pick in the NFL Draft, where they could opt for a quarterback if they wanted to. The recent Tankathon mock draft reveals the Browns could select Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano.

More glaring is the fact that two coaches have withdrawn from consideration to coach the Cleveland Browns, suggesting they may see better opportunities elsewhere in the league.