The Ravens spoke with 16 candidates during the first round of their ongoing HC search. A much shorter list of finalists is now emerging. 
Baltimore will conduct an in-person interview with Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver today. It became known yesterday that a follow-up with Bills OC Joe Brady is being planned for later this week. A third name to watch on that front is Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.
The Ravens are expected to conduct a second interview with Minter this week, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports. The parties met virtually last Wednesday, with Baltimore among the many teams showing interest in Minter’s case. Both the Browns and Raiders have arranged an in-person interview with Minter. The Ravens certainly have competition for one of the top candidates still on the market.
To little surprise, three of the four head coaching hires made so far in the 2026 cycle have seen ex-HCs receive a second opportunity. John Harbaugh – whom the Ravens fired after his 18th season with the team – along with Kevin Stefanski and Robert Saleh have found new homes. Jeff Hafley was not among the interviewees in Baltimore’s case, so the fact he is now in place with the Dolphins should have no impact on the team’s search.
Minter has loomed as one of the most sought-after coaches in the 2026 cycle, especially amongst those with a defensive background. The 42-year-old has enjoyed success as a DC at both the college and NFL levels. Minter also has ties to the Ravens, having worked from 2017-20 as part of their staff. For eight of the past nine years, Minter has worked under either John or Jim Harbaugh.
Minter is free to speak with the Ravens and other teams at any time. NFL rules mean staffers on the teams set to play in the conference title games cannot do so this week, however. That is significant in Baltimore’s case given the team’s links to candidates such as Chris Shula and Nate Scheelhaase (Rams), Klint Kubiak (Seahawks) as well as Davis Webb, Vance Joseph and – most recently – Darren Rizzi (Broncos).