Two Key Chargers Coach Departures Could Shake Up Staff

The Los Angeles Chargers took a massive step forward this season under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, already surpassing their win total from last year. Sitting at 6-3 heading into the final eight games of the season, the Chargers have an excellent chance of returning to the postseason after a one-year hiatus.

When a team makes such an impressive improvement, the coaching staff deservedly receives a ton of attention. This has been the case for defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, who has helped turn the 24th-ranked Chargers defense from a year ago to the best unit in the NFL in his first year. As a result, Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated has identified him as one of the leading head coaching candidates for the 2025 offseason and beyond.

Jim Harbaugh himself has said recently that he has a feeling Minter will be a head coach next year.

"Well, we're probably gonna have to just enjoy Jesse Minter while we have him. I mean, I have a feeling he's gonna be a head coach next year. We'll be competing against him."

- Jim Harbaugh on DC Jesse Minter

Unfortunately, that is not the only potential departure the Chargers need to prepare for. Orr also mentioned special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken as a potential candidate for a promotion. Considered one of the best special teams coordinators in the league, Ficken may receive a look from a team willing to take a chance on a first-time head coach.

"The Chargers’ special teams coordinator since ’22, Ficken has finished seventh and third, respectively, in Rick Gosselin’s gold-standard special teams rankings each of the past two years. "

- Conor Orr, Sports Illustrated

Special teams coordinators rarely get an opportunity to jump straight to being a head coach. Yet, it may be possible for Ficken to get a chance as an offensive coordinator elsewhere, further depleting the Chargers' coaching staff.

As good of a season as the Chargers are having, they need to start thinking about how to best reshape their coaching staff going forward.

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