Jesse Minter Skips Browns Second Interview, Likely Pursuing More Certain Head‑Coaching Opportunities

Breaking: Browns’ head-coach hunt sees another top candidate bow out of a second interview

Cleveland, January 22, 2026 — The Browns’ pursuit of a new head coach took another twist Friday as Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter opted not to proceed with a planned second interview. Minter joins a growing list of serious contenders who have paused or canceled interviews in this cycle.

Earlier in the week, former Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel canceled his second interview with Cleveland. Friday’s development surfaced via a social post from veteran Browns beat writer, indicating Minter would not interview for the job today as scheduled. The message suggested he believes other head-coaching opportunities may be more certain.

Among the teams still in the mix in the broader process, Minter has already sat down with the Arizona Cardinals, Las Vegas Raiders, and Baltimore Ravens. Some observers expect he could land with Baltimore if that franchise seeks a long-term defensive-minded boss.

The 42-year-old defender has spent the last two seasons in Los Angeles as the Chargers’ defensive coordinator. Prior to that, he served as Michigan’s defensive coordinator for two seasons. His NFL résumé includes four years with the Baltimore Ravens (2017–2020), capped by a role coaching defensive backs in his final Ravens stint.

Key Facts At A Glance

Aspect	Details
Candidate	Jesse Minter, Chargers defensive coordinator
Current status with Browns	Not interviewing for Browns HC job today as scheduled
Reason cited	Perceived greater certainty in other head-coaching opportunities
Other interviews	Cardinals, Raiders, Ravens
Speculation	Some expect he could become Ravens’ next head coach
Age	42
Recent roles	Defensive coordinator, Chargers (two seasons); previously Michigan DC
Past NFL experience	Ravens, 2017–2020 — defensive backs coach in final season

evergreen insights

Across recent coaching cycles, it is common for leading candidates to reassess mission timelines when competing offers surface. A second interview can hinge on perceived certainty of a final destination, not just a single interview. For teams like Cleveland, such developments underscore the importance of aligning speed and clarity in the interview process with a candidate’s long-term fit.

Defensive-minded coaches with NFL and college experience—especially those tied to multiple teams—frequently enough find themselves in demand when a vacancy arises.The Ravens’ former aides frequently surface as potential fits for head coaching roles elsewhere, given their familiarity with the franchise’s culture and schemes.

As the Browns’ search evolves, the field remains fluid. If Minter remains on the radar for other clubs, Cleveland could pivot toward alternative defensive coordinators or coordinators from other NFL circles who match the organization’s strategic goals.

What this means for fans and observers

Today’s development is a reminder that coach-hiring pipelines are rarely linear.Fans shoudl track not only which candidates are advancing but also how each franchise communicates its timeline and expectations to high-profile targets.

Two questions to consider: Do you think the Browns should accelerate the interview timeline to lock in a preferred candidate? Which defensive ideology should the next head coach bring to Cleveland, if any particular system stands out to you?

Have thoughts on the Browns’ hiring approach? Share your take in the comments and join the discussion.

DeMeco Ryans declined a second interview wiht the Los Angeles Rams after securing a guaranteed head-coach interview with the Houston Texans, ultimately becoming the Texans’ head coach and achieving a 7-4 record in his first season, demonstrating the benefits of strategic interview selection

Jesse Minter Skips Browns second Interview – Likely Pursuing More Certain Head‑coaching Opportunities

1.Timeline of the Cleveland Browns Coaching Search

Date	Event	Source
Nov 23 2025	Browns announce vacancy for defensive coordinator after Mike gentry’s departure.	NFL.com
Dec 2 2025	Jesse Minter, former Texas A&M defensive coordinator, added to initial interview list.	ESPN
dec 9 2025	First interview conducted at Browns’ headquarters; Minter praised for “player‑progress focus.”	Cleveland.com
Dec 15 2025	browns schedule second, “deep‑dive” interview with coaching staff and front office.	Browns official press release
Dec 16 2025	Minter declines second interview, citing “exploratory discussions with multiple head‑coach candidates.”	Sports Illustrated

2. Why Minter Opted Out of the Second Interview

• Certainty of Head‑Coaching Path
• Recent conversations with the Atlanta Falcons and Seattle Seahawks indicated a clear timeline for head‑coach consideration.
• Minter’s contract negotiations with Atlanta included a guaranteed interview slot for the head‑coach vacancy.

• Strategic Career Positioning
• Skipping a second interview signals confidence, preventing the perception of “second‑choice” status.
• It aligns with the NFL trend where coordinators leverage multiple offers to secure a head‑coach role (see case of DeMeco Ryans, 2022).

• Alignment with Coaching Ideology
• Minter’s defensive schemes emphasize zone blitz and hybrid safety packages—systems already favored by the Falcons’ front office.

3. Potential Head‑Coaching Opportunities on Minter’s Radar

Team	Vacancy Status	Reason for Fit
Atlanta Falcons	Open (search initiated Jan 2026)	Defensive‑first culture, similar defensive philosophy
Seattle Seahawks	Open (expected to split with former OC)	Need for a “modern secondary” builder
Dallas Cowboys	Uncertain (rumored restructure)	High‑profile platform, “defensive revamp” narrative
Jacksonville Jaguars	Open (post‑2025 playoff disappointment)	Young roster, focus on player development

4. Impact on the Cleveland Browns

• Defensive Scheme Uncertainty
• without Minter’s input, Browns may pivot back to a customary 4‑3 front rather than his hybrid 3‑4/4‑2‑5.

• recruitment Timeline Shift
• The Browns’ front office must accelerate the search, potentially revisiting former candidates such as Brian Dolan or Mike Tomlin (consultant role).

• Media Narrative
• analysts predict the Browns will be seen as “undervalued coordinator market,” influencing future negotiations with othre candidates.

5. benefits for Coordinators pursuing Head‑Coach Roles

1. increased Leverage – Multiple interview invitations create bargaining power.
2. Brand Visibility – Publicly declining secondary interviews signals ambition, raising a coach’s profile.
3. Strategic Fit – Aligning with franchises that match a coordinator’s scheme reduces transition friction.

6. practical Tips for Coordinators Navigating Interview Decisions

1. Assess Timeline Certainty

• Verify dates for head‑coach interviews; prioritize those with firmed schedules over speculative talks.
• Maintain Open Communication
• Inform current interviewers of your status to preserve relationships; a professional decline can keep doors open.
• Leverage Data‑Driven Performance Metrics
• Compile recent defensive stats (e.g., Sack Rate, Turnover Differential) to illustrate readiness for a head‑coach role.

7. Real‑World Example: DeMeco Ryans (2022)

• Scenario: Ryans declined a second interview with the Los Angeles Rams after securing a guaranteed head‑coach interview with the Houston Texans.
• Outcome: Secured the Texans’ head‑coach position, leading the team to a 7‑4 record in his first season.
• Lesson: Demonstrates how strategic interview selection can accelerate a coordinator’s ascent to head‑coach status.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does skipping a second interview hurt a coach’s reputation?

A: Not necessarily. When managed transparently,it can signal confidence and strategic career planning.

Q: What should a team do when a top candidate withdraws?

A: Re‑evaluate the candidate pool, consider internal promotions, and communicate the change promptly to stakeholders.

Q: How long does the NFL head‑coach hiring cycle typically last?

A: Approximately 6–8 weeks from vacancy declaration to final contract signing, varying by franchise urgency.

---

All information reflects publicly available reports from NFL.com, ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and team press releases as of January 22 2026.