Minter

BALTIMORE — Jesse Minter is heading back to Baltimore, this time as the Ravens’ next head coach.

The club hired the Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator on Thursday. Minter replaces John Harbaugh, who was fired earlier this month after 18 years when the Ravens failed to make the playoffs.

Minter spent four seasons on Harbaugh’s staff from 2017-20, working his way up to become the defensive backs coach during his final season before taking the defensive coordinator job at Vanderbilt.

The 42-year-old Minter was one of the hottest names on the market. He interviewed virtually with several teams — including the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are also looking for a coach after Mike Tomlin stepped down last week — before landing in Baltimore, where his job will be to help two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson take the next step in a career that’s been consistently snakebit in the postseason.

“This is an organization whose values, culture and tradition of excellence reflect everything I believe about the game of football and how it should be played,” Minter said in a statement.

Minter has been with the Chargers for two seasons after two years as defensive coordinator at the University of Michigan. Minter’s partnership with both Harbaughs helped him build a resume that made him the right fit to replace John Harbaugh and become the fourth head coach in Baltimore’s 31-year history.

Feeling better

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Rams opened the 21-day practice window for veteran right tackle Rob Havenstein on Thursday, creating the possibility for their longtime starter to return from injured reserve this season.

Havenstein is the longest-tenured member of the Rams’ current roster, and he has been a stalwart starter at right tackle when healthy since his rookie season in St. Louis in 2015. He has started 148 games over 11 seasons for the Rams along with 13 playoff starts, including two Super Bowls.

But injuries have limited Havenstein to 18 games over the past two seasons. He has played in just seven games this season, last appearing in the Rams’ 21-19 victory over Seattle at SoFi Stadium in mid-November before being sidelined by an ankle injury and knee bursitis.

The Rams (14-5) visit the Seahawks (16-3) on Sunday for the NFC championship game.

Staff hirings

The Atlanta Falcons have named Tommy Rees as their offensive coordinator. Rees reunites with Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski, having previously worked together in Cleveland.

He replaces Zac Robinson, who recently joined the Buccaneers. The Falcons’ offense includes All-Pro running back Bijan Robinson and standout receiver Drake London. Tight end Kyle Pitts’ future is uncertain as he approaches free agency.

The Falcons also hired Jacqueline Roberts as manager of coaching operations. Additionally, several coaches are returning, including defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. Stefanski was announced as Raheem Morris’ successor on Saturday.

Dallas DC

Two people with knowledge of the plan say the Dallas Cowboys are close to an agreement to hire Philadelphia passing game coordinator Christian Parker as their defensive coordinator.

The 34-year-old Parker just finished his second season in his current role with the Eagles. They were NFC East champions both times and won the Super Bowl last season. Philadelphia is the first repeat winner in the division in 21 years.

The Eagles were among the NFL’s best overall and against the pass on defense the past two seasons.