Jim Harbaugh continues to add some familiar faces to the Chargers’ coaching staff.
Greg Roman, Harbaugh’s offensive coordinator with the 49ers from 2011 to 2014, will join Harbaugh in the same role in Los Angeles, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday.
Former Michigan State defensive coordinator Jesse Minter will also serve in the same role in Los Angeles. the team announced.
Roman served as the Bills’ offensive coordinator before doing the same with the Ravens under Jim’s brother John.
He and the Ravens parted ways after the 2022 season.
Minter, 40, who helped lead the University of Michigan to a national championship last season, served as a defensive assistant with John Harbaugh and the Ravens for three seasons before leaving to become Vanderbilt’s defensive coordinator in 2021.
Minter, who was a 2022 finalist for the Broyles Award given to the nation’s top assistant coach, announced his departure from Michigan State in a social media post Tuesday night.
“I have nothing but love for everyone at the University of Michigan, especially the players,” he wrote. “We had a wonderful journey together.”
In his introductory press conference Tuesday, Chargers general manager Joe Hortis said there are players on the roster who will easily fit into the team’s new defensive scheme.
Hortis knows what Minter needs, as he studied under former Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale during his time in Baltimore.
“The way the Chargers’ roster is constructed is similar to the Ravens’ defense in that they have an edge, three down linemen and two inside linebackers,” Hortis said. “I don’t think there will be any major changes in terms of how we build this team. I think the important thing is mental. Let’s go. Let’s attack.”
During Minter’s two seasons, the Wolverines had the best defense in the county.
During this period, they allowed 13.1 points per game, the lowest in the nation.
Minter is the third former Michigan coach to make this jump.
Harbaugh’s former defensive line coach, Mike Elston, is expected to take on the same role with the Chargers, as will strength and conditioning coach Ben Herbert, according to NFL Network.
Harbaugh will take over a Chargers team that suffered a disappointing 5-12 season under Brandon Staley after being eliminated from the playoffs the year before.
— With AP
