Ravens’ new head coach Jesse Minter understands the comparison is coming whether he invites it or not. That’s because Minter shares a nearly parallel career path with Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald. After Seattle’s Super Bowl win, that connection only became louder. On Wednesday, Minter addressed it directly.
Jesse Minter Discusses Mike Macdonald Super Bowl Blueprint
Minter was asked about Macdonald’s championship run and the similarities between the two in how they approach the game. He didn’t sidestep the question from Ravens headquarters on Wednesday.
“Happy for him, proud of him, now chasing him,” Minter said. “Chasing the team that wins the Super Bowl, that’s what we’re doing. … Certainly feel like there’s some things that we can do that would hopefully mirror some of that and look like that.”
The relationship between Minter and Macdonald dates back to their time together in Baltimore from 2017 through 2020. Both were instrumental in shaping the Ravens’ evolving defensive structure before leaving in 2021 to coordinate at the college level. Macdonald went to Michigan. Minter took over at Vanderbilt.
When Macdonald returned to Baltimore as defensive coordinator in 2022, Minter stepped into his role at Michigan and helped guide the Wolverines to a national championship behind a dominant defense.
Their professional arcs have continued to mirror each other. Macdonald became Seattle’s head coach in 2024. Minter followed Jim Harbaugh to Los Angeles as the Chargers’ defensive coordinator, where his units finished inside the top 10 in PFSN’s Defense Impact scoring in consecutive seasons.
Now Minter returns to Baltimore as just the fourth head coach in franchise history, replacing John Harbaugh after an 18-season run that included a Super Bowl title.
The Ravens believe continuity within their defensive identity gives them a foundation strong enough to contend immediately. For now, Lamar Jackson remains in place at quarterback. The front office is stable, and the roster is talented. The difference between Baltimore and Seattle last season was not philosophy. It was how the team executed in January.
Minter’s reference to “mirroring” aspects of the Seahawks’ success reflects that belief. The scheme is familiar, and the standards are being communicated amongst the team.
The unknown variable is the transition from coordinator to head coach. Managing the entire operation carries a different weight than calling plays on Sunday. Baltimore is betting that Minter’s experience inside the building and his track record developing elite defenses can bridge that gap.
Seattle has set the standard. Minter acknowledged that. Now, Baltimore and Minter must prove that they can match Macdonald.
