LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Chargers confirmed Monday they completed an interview with defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale for their vacant defensive coordinator position. The move comes just days after former DC Jesse Minter departed to become the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens. While Jim Harbaugh recently landed a splash hire in Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator, the search for a defensive leader remains the primary focus in Costa Mesa.
The Michigan Connection and a Lock-Down Secondary
Clinkscale isn’t just a familiar face; he’s a foundational piece of the “Harbaugh-way” defense that transformed the Bolts over the last two seasons. Since arriving from Michigan in 2024, Clinkscale turned a struggling secondary into one of the league’s most feared units. Under his watch, the Chargers defensive backs allowed an 86.9 passer rating over the last two seasons—the third-best mark in the NFL.
The numbers tell a story of elite ball-hawking. The Bolts secondary notched 34 interceptions and allowed only 40 touchdowns during Clinkscale’s two-year tenure as DB coach. Fans at SoFi Stadium have grown used to seeing Derwin James and company suffocate opposing passing lanes, a direct result of the “Clink” philosophy that emphasizes vision and aggressive play on the ball.
“Steve is a winner. He understands the standard we set back in Ann Arbor and how it translates here. The guys play hard for him because he’s as technically sound as they come.” — Jim Harbaugh, Chargers Head Coach
Stability vs. Fresh Eyes: What’s Next
Promoting Clinkscale would signal a commitment to continuity. With Minter gone, the Chargers risk losing the specific 3-4 “simulated pressure” identity that saw them rank No. 5 in total defense in 2025. Clinkscale’s deep knowledge of this system makes him the safest bet to keep the momentum swinging upward.
However, the search isn’t a one-man race. The team also interviewed safeties coach Adam Fuller and has been linked to external candidates like Ravens DC Zach Orr. With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching and a roster built to win now, Harbaugh needs a play-caller who can maximize Justin Herbert’s prime by keeping the score low. Expect a decision before the scouting combine begins in February.
