Jim Harbaugh makes Jesse Minter to D.C. official, other big moves

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh finalized his staff Wednesday with the addition of Vanderbilt D.C. Jesse Minter another former Baltimore Ravens assistant. In addition, Steve Clinkscale was given his promotion to co-coordinator, while Mike Elston adds recruiting coordinator to his title.

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Minter emerged as No. 1 on the list after former Michigan linebacker Larry Foote opted to take his name out of the running. Foote is the Tampa Bay Bucs’ linebackers coach. U-M also reportedly interviewed Wisconsin OLB coach Bobby Aprill III.

“Jesse comes from a football family and loves coaching and the relationships you form with your players and staff,” Harbaugh said in a release. “He will provide excellent leadership for our defense and will fit seamlessly with the coaching staff we have put together. Jesse is a teacher first, has a love and passion for the game and cares deeply for the players he coaches and works with daily.

“He came highly recommended last year by my brother John, and Jesse and I have continued to have discussions and maintain a friendship which helped bring him to Ann Arbor. We are excited to welcome Jesse and his wife, Rachelle, as well as their daughter, Millie, and sons, Monte and Mac, to our Michigan Football family.”

“It is an honor to be joining Coach Harbaugh’s staff at Michigan,” Minter added. “I am excited to work alongside our coaches in helping the players reach their maximum potential on and off the field. I look forward to building great relationships with the players and staff and can’t wait to get to work representing the program. My family and I are excited to join the Ann Arbor and university community. Go Blue!”

As we’ve said the last few days, Minter to D.C. always seemed the most logical play. Harbaugh looked at him last year for spots on staff before filling his staff, and he’s now got a year of coordinating experience under his belt.

Minter knows Mike Macdonald’s defense inside and out, and he’s also got recruiting experience. He seemed to be the natural next step, considered a bright young mind who cut his teeth under John Harbaugh at Baltimore.

Minter joined the Ravens in 2017, working as defensive assistant responsible for organizing details of quality control and self-scouting. He also conducted opponent analysis for both sides of the ball, heavily involved with the defense.

Though Minter will not work with a position group, he does have experience coaching safeties. He worked with them at Vandy and in Baltimore, when the Ravens led the NFL in interceptions (22) and turnover differential with a plus-17 mark.

Before arriving in Baltimore, Minter spent four seasons at Georgia State as the defensive coordinator. The Panthers’ defense seventh nationally in pass efficiency, 19th in average yards/play and 22nd in red zone defense. Minter was named the Sun Belt Conference’s top recruiter by Scout.com.

In 2015, Georgia State had the biggest scoring defense turnaround at the FBS level, allowing 15 fewer points/game than in 2014. The defense also improved by 122.3 fewer total yards/game allowed. The Panthers finished in the top four in the Sun Belt in scoring defense (28.3 points/game), total defense (405.6 yards/game), rushing defense (181.4 yards/game) and pass efficiency defense (120.3). 

Minter was nominated for the 2015 Broyles Award, given to the best assistant coach in college football. 

Finally, secondary coach Clinkscale is officially elevated to co-defensive coordinator. Clinkscale’s contract stipulated a title and bump in pay should he meet certain criteria in the passing game.

DEFENSIVE STAFF ASSIGNMENTS

Jesse Minter – Lester Family Defensive Coordinator

Steve Clinkscale – Co-Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs

Mike Elston – Recruiting Coordinator/Defensive Line

Jay Harbaugh – Special Teams Coordinator/Safeties

George Helow – Linebackers