Father’s Day holds a special significance for Rick and Jesse Minter, especially this year. The duo is currently working together on the Los Angeles Chargers’ coaching staff, marking the sixth time they have coached alongside each other, but the first time in the NFL. Previously, they were part of the University of Michigan staff under Jim Harbaugh, where they celebrated a national championship win in January.
Jesse Minter serves as the Chargers’ defensive coordinator, while his father, Rick Minter, holds the position of senior defensive analyst. Rick, who will be turning 70 soon, brings over 45 years of coaching experience to the table. He has had an illustrious career in both college and professional ranks, including a decade-long tenure as the head coach at the University of Cincinnati.
Despite his extensive coaching background, Rick Minter’s entry into the NFL came later in his career, at the age of nearly 60, when he joined Chip Kelly’s staff with the Philadelphia Eagles. Reflecting on his journey, Rick Minter expressed gratitude for the opportunity to coach in the NFL and is now thrilled to share this experience with his son in Los Angeles.
Jesse Minter, on the other hand, has been steadily rising through the coaching ranks, previously serving on John Harbaugh’s staff in Baltimore. The father-son duo spent time at Vanderbilt before reuniting with Jim Harbaugh at Michigan. Jesse Minter, who turned 41 in May, values the mentorship and guidance that his father provides, emphasizing their strong relationship both on and off the field.
Their story is not unique in the NFL, as there are several other father-son duos coaching together in the league. These relationships, like that of the Minters, highlight the special bond that football can create between generations. Antonio Pierce, who coaches alongside his son De’Andre at the Las Vegas Raiders, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of father-son relationships in coaching.
As Father’s Day approaches, Rick and Jesse Minter are preparing to spend the day together, cherishing the opportunity to work side by side. For Rick, being called “Dad” holds a greater honor than being called “Coach,” emphasizing the significance of their familial connection in the world of football.
The story of the Minter family serves as a heartwarming reminder of the impact of strong family bonds and shared passions. Their journey from college football to the NFL exemplifies the dedication, perseverance, and joy that can come from coaching alongside loved ones. As they celebrate Father’s Day together, their story continues to inspire and resonate with football fans and families alike.
