On back-to-back days that could reshape two AFC powers, Baltimore chose a new leader and Kansas City turned back to an old formula. On January 22, 2026, the Ravens named Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter as their next head coach on a five-year deal. Less than 24 hours later, the Chiefs agreed to bring Eric Bieniemy back as offensive coordinator, reuniting him with Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes after a rare down year in Kansas City.

Minter, 42, becomes the fourth head coach in Ravens history, following John Harbaugh, Brian Billick and Ted Marchibroda. Bieniemy returns to a role he held from 2018 to 2022, when Kansas City’s offense never finished lower than sixth in points per game and lifted the Lombardi Trophy in the 2022 season.

These are more than staffing notes. They hint at identity resets for both teams: Baltimore leaning into a young defensive mind with deep ties to the building, and the Chiefs seeking to restore their edge by bringing back a trusted play-caller after a 6–11 season.

Why Baltimore Chose Jesse Minter as Head Coach

The Ravens’ search was wide and demanding. The franchise interviewed 16 candidates before narrowing the field to three finalists: Minter, Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, and Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady. The decision came 16 days after the club dismissed Harbaugh, whose 18-year run included a Super Bowl title but ended with a losing 2025 and a playoff miss.

General manager Erik DeCosta called Minter “the fourth head coach in the history of the Baltimore Ravens as we begin a new chapter,” praising his leadership and football mind. Owner Steve Bisciotti echoed that, saying Minter “clearly understands the values, high expectations and history of the Ravens” and will “authentically connect with our players and inspire them to championship levels.”

Minter’s resume fits the Ravens’ core identity: tough, smart, and defense-first. With the Chargers since the start of 2024, his units ranked top-five in points allowed per game, total yards allowed, passing yards allowed, and produced 34 interceptions. That kind of ball-hawking defense is a Baltimore staple, and it’s a calling card the franchise wants to restore.

“Ravens went defense again—and it feels right for Baltimore football.”

Minter’s Path: Michigan Glory and a Homecoming in Baltimore

This is Minter’s first head coaching job, but he is no stranger to big stages or to Baltimore. He was a Ravens assistant from 2017 to 2020, working in the secondary and even helping with Lamar Jackson as a scout-team quarterback coach in 2018. Those early relationships matter as he takes over a locker room that expects to compete immediately.

Before the Chargers, Minter spent two seasons as Michigan’s defensive coordinator under Jim Harbaugh. The Wolverines won the national college football championship during the 2023 season, with a defense built on speed, discipline, and takeaways—traits that mirrored his Chargers units.

Minter is a Little Rock, Arkansas, native, but Baltimore is a professional home he knows well. Now, he returns to lead the entire operation. In his words: “I am truly honored to serve as the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens. This is an organization whose values, culture and tradition of excellence reflect everything I believe about the game of football and how it should be played.”

What It Means for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ Identity

For Baltimore, the choice says this: defense still sets the tone, even as Lamar Jackson is the face of the franchise. Minter’s background guiding defensive backs and his past work inside the building should help him connect across the roster, including with the quarterback. Expect a clear, physical identity on defense and a head coach who values complementary football—short fields, takeaways, and situational toughness.

After parting with Harbaugh, a high bar remains. Minter inherits a proud history, a star quarterback, and a fan base that demands playoff runs. If the Chargers’ takeaway trend travels with him, Baltimore’s defense could again be the group that carries January games.

“Minter knows the building and Lamar—now show us a January defense again.”

Chiefs Reset: Eric Bieniemy Returns to Fix a Slumping Offense

Across the conference, Kansas City is betting on familiarity and proven chemistry. The Chiefs finished 6–11 in 2025, missing the playoffs for the first time with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback. The offense slipped to 20th in yards and 21st in points—well below the standard set during their title runs. With Matt Nagy’s contract expiring after three seasons as OC, the door opened for a reunion.

Bieniemy re-joins Andy Reid after a three-year tour that included running Washington’s offense in 2023, coaching UCLA’s running backs in 2024, and serving as the Chicago Bears’ running backs coach in 2025. His first stretch in Kansas City (2013–2022, with five years as OC) coincided with the league’s most feared attack and a 2022 season where Mahomes won MVP and the Chiefs captured the Super Bowl.

The locker room reaction speaks volumes. Tight end Travis Kelce said, “I think it’s great. I can’t wait to see him back in the building… He’s one of my favorite coaches of all time.” Mahomes posted an old photo with Bieniemy on Instagram with three flexed biceps emojis—a simple message: strength is back.

“Bieniemy + Mahomes again. If the offense clicks, the AFC just got a problem.”

What Bieniemy Brings Back to Kansas City

Expect cleaner details in the pass game, sharper roles for skill players, and a renewed edge in situational football. During his previous OC run, Kansas City attacked with pace and purpose, and their red-zone and third-down scoring repeatedly broke opponents’ backs.

For 2026, the mission is clear: protect Mahomes with structure and rhythm, rediscover explosive plays, and restore trust in the plan. With Reid’s big-picture vision and Bieniemy’s on-field standards, the Chiefs have a blueprint that already delivered a championship.

The Bigger Picture: Two Bluebloods Chasing January

These moves are about timing and fit. Baltimore needed a reset after a rare stumble, without losing the defensive DNA that defines the franchise. Kansas City needed a spark—someone who knows the language of the Reid-Mahomes era and can bring it back to life.

For the Ravens, Minter’s hire follows a thorough process and brings fresh energy with familiar roots. For the Chiefs, Bieniemy’s return reunites leaders who have already proven they can win the last game of the season. The AFC just got more interesting.

As the dust settles, one truth connects both stories: the standard is the standard. Baltimore and Kansas City aren’t chasing relevance; they are chasing rings. And these hires, made in January, were chosen with January football in mind.

Background Notes and Context

• Ravens finalists: Jesse Minter (Chargers DC), Anthony Weaver (Dolphins DC), Joe Brady (Bills OC).
• Minter’s past roles: Ravens assistant (2017–2020), Michigan DC (national champions in 2023), Chargers DC (since 2024).
• Chiefs changes: Matt Nagy exits after three seasons as OC. Bieniemy previously spent 10 total seasons with Kansas City (2013–2022).
• Bieniemy’s recent stops: Washington Commanders OC (2023), UCLA RB coach (2024), Bears RB coach (2025).
• Harbaugh era in Baltimore: 18 seasons, one Super Bowl; fired after a losing 2025 campaign.

Now the countdown begins. Rookie head coach in Baltimore. Familiar conductor in Kansas City. Two different paths, one shared goal.