Amid Jim Harbaugh’s Exit Reports, Michigan’s $4.5 Million Plan Tipped to Fail to Add Insult to Injury

There could be more turmoil brewing for Michigan Wolverines amid reports of Jim Harbaugh moving to NFL. Michigan has been trying its best to convince Jim Harbaugh to sign their $125 million contract, making changes in certain clauses per his demand. Yet, Harbaugh is keen on landing the Chargers’ head coaching job. Amidst this, Jesse Minter, Michigan’s defensive coordinator, could be on his way out as well.

The Michigan Wolverines are not holding back on finances when striking an offer to their employees as their offers make them the highest-paid roles across the league. Yet, they are opting out. One of the prime reasons behind it could be the sign-stealing fiasco, the impending corollary of which is daunting the futures of its employees there.

Jaguars believed to be interested in landing Minter

Michigan is offering Jesse Minter an extensively lucrative contract which will make him one of the top paid coordinators in all of football. Yet according to Sam Webb 247 Sports, “Many within Michigan circle believe that he will head to the NFL.” He also reported that Minter is a  “leading candidate” to be the Jaguars’ coordinator and “could have that job if he wants it.”

Moreover, MichiganNation reported, “Jaguars are going hard after him.” Hence, speculations surrounding Minter bidding his goodbye to Michigan are growing stronger than ever.

It is reported that offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore could be named the next HC of Michigan Wolverines if Harbaugh departs for the NFL, with Jesse Minter remaining in his role as DC. But if Harbaugh stays Michigan is ready to make Moore and Minter the highest-paid coordinators in college football with one or both getting somewhere around $2.5 to $4.5 million. But will their plan fall apart?

There are also reports that if Jim Harbaugh departs for the LA Chargers, he could take some Wolverines staffers along with him including Jesse Minter and Harbaugh’s son, special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh. But there is an equal chance he could land up with the Jaguars.

Will Minter be an ideal replacement for Jaguar’s former coordinator Mike Caldwell, whom the team fired a week ago? Well, he would get an almost blank canvas to work on as the Jaguars have also fired seven other defensive assistants, leaving only three of Pederson’s 11 defensive staff members. However, will Jesse Minter’s extensive coaching experience be enough for the Jaguars?

Jesse Minter’s coaching record

Jesse Minter has been in the business since 2006 when he kick-started his career as a defensive intern at Notre Dame. However, it was only in 2011 that his career picked up at Indiana State as a defensive coordinator. After which he Georgia from 2013 to 2016 as a DC.

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Minter landed his first NFL job as an assistant defensive coach in 2017 with the Baltimore Ravens. There he was promoted to defensive backs coach in 2020 before Michigan appointed him their defensive coordinator in 2022. Under Minter’s coordination, Michigan’s defense ranked number 1 in total defense in 2023 and number 2 in pass defense. With Minter as DC, the team allowed only 16.1 points per game in 2022 and an FBS-best 10.4 points in 2023.

The defense was the backbone and the hand that worked in sync with the offense to maintain their undefeated record. Working alongside Harbaugh, Minter helped the Wolverines land their first national championship in 26 years this month.

That is precisely why the Jaguars think he is the perfect fit as their defensive coordinator. Do you feel the same? Let us know in the comments.

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