Browns, Raiders' Top HC Candidates After Jesse Minter Reportedly Agrees to Ravens Contract

The Baltimore Ravens hired Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter as the team's new head coach on Thursday, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Per Pelissero, Minter had "strong interest" from the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders before choosing Baltimore.

The Browns will now turn their attention elsewhere, with Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski and Los Angeles Rams pass-game coordinator Nathan Scheelhaase reportedly finalists for their vacancy.

Meanwhile, the Raiders completed a second interview with Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero on Tuesday.

Las Vegas has also conducted interviews with Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, Denver Broncos offensive pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Davis Webb as well as Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.

The Browns are attempting to bounce back from a 5-12 record in 2025, resulting in the firing of head coach Kevin Stefanski.

It's understandable that Cleveland appears to be focused on younger offensive-minded options such as Udinski and Scheelhaase, as it finished No. 31 in the NFL in scoring offense during the regular season by averaging 16.4 points per game.

Starting quarterbacks Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders combined to throw for just 2,807 yards and 16 touchdowns compared to 18 interceptions.

The lack of offensive production was particularly disappointing considering the Browns boasted an imposing defense that racked up 53 sacks, the third-most among all teams.

Las Vegas is casting a wide net in its coaching search after wrapping up a 3-14 finish in 2025. It will be picking at No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL draft.

The Raiders could choose an offensive coach to pair alongside a top incoming rookie such as Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, or they might address a defense that allowed 26.5 points per game over the final eight weeks of the regular season.

With Minter off the board, Cleveland and Las Vegas could narrow down their options even further.