Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea joins Ryan Ripken for an insightful, heartfelt conversation packed with insider perspective on the Baltimore Ravens’ new head coach, Jesse Minter (hired Jan 22, 2026, from Chargers DC). Lea, who worked closely with Minter as Vanderbilt’s DC in 2021, calls him a “real person,” “good friend,” and “perfect fit” for Baltimore—describing the hire as “the start of a great marriage between he and Baltimore.”
Lea breaks down Minter’s strengths: skilled communicator who contextualizes experiences for players/staff (“exactly where they are… what the next step is”), balanced family man, intense yet perspective-keeping in tough talks, ego-free collaborator who empowers others (“it’s a player’s game”), and adaptive teacher who turned Michigan’s defense elite after setbacks (e.g., post-TCU loss reflection leading to historic 2023 unit). Lea shares: “This guy’s as good as any… stepping into those conversations, not backing away,” and praises Minter’s class, smarts, and football passion—blending seamlessly with Ravens history and community.
Other Ravens ties: Lea recruited/coached Kyle Hamilton at Notre Dame (“my guy”), shouts out Ravens LB coach Tyler Santucci (close friend), and draws parallels to organizational grit (like Eric DeCosta’s early days under Ozzie Newsome). Lea reflects on building Vandy culture from humble starts (trash-bag gear at South Dakota State) to 10-win progress, emphasizing “relatedness as our edge” and community impact.
A must-watch for Ravens fans embracing the post-Harbaugh era—Minter’s player confidence, trenches focus, and culture-building could be transformative!
Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro & Lea’s Humble Coaching Beginnings
1:44 – Vanderbilt Culture Build & Introducing Jesse Minter
4:50 – Deep Dive: Minter’s Personality, Communication & Teaching Style
7:00 – Examples: 2021 Vandy Challenges & Michigan Turnaround
9:00 – Minter’s Intensity, Adaptability & Ravens “Great Marriage” Fit
11:20 – Ravens Connections (Kyle Hamilton, Tyler Santucci) & Closing Praise
Ravens Nation: Excited for Minter’s era? What’s your biggest hope?
👍 Like if Lea’s take has you pumped
🔔 Subscribe to Ryan Ripken Show for exclusive Ravens insights & coach/player interviews
💬 Comment: Minter the right hire? Drop your thoughts!
#JesseMinter #Ravens #BaltimoreRavens #ClarkLea #RavensHeadCoach #JesseMinterRavens #NFL #RavensNews #VanderbiltFootball #RyanRipkenShow

LINK: To watch the VIDEO for free, CLICK HERE
SOURCE: Ryan Ripken Media

   MORE RAVENS HEADLINES

   TOP ORIOLES HEADLINES