Ravens head coach Jesse Minter is adding one of college football’s best secondary coaches to his staff.
Jesse Minter has made his first hire as the Ravens’ new head coach. Notre Dame defensive backs coach/defensive pass game coordinator Mike Mickens is set to take the same position in Baltimore, according to multiple reports.
Mickens, 38, has spent the last five years in South Bend, starting as the cornerbacks coach before a promotion to his current title in 2024. In his tenure, Notre Dame’s secondary has been one of the best in the nation, both as a unit and as a producer of NFL talent.
In 2023 and 2024, the Fighting Irish ranked no lower than fourth in passing yards and completion percentage allowed. Their secondary was not quite as effective in 2025, allowing a 55.7% completion rate (15th) and 231.4 yards per game (56th), though they still led the nation with 1.8 interceptions per game. It was somewhat of a ‘gap year’ talent-wise, as Notre Dame has several top DB prospects in the 2025 and 2027 draft classes, but none this year.
Speaking of the NFL players to come out of Mickens’ secondary, here’s the rather impressive list:
Kyle Hamilton (Ravens, No. 14 overall, 2022): Mickens was officially the cornerbacks coach during Hamilton’s last two years in South Bend, but the two no doubt worked together closely, especially given the All-American safety’s role in the slot.
Cam Hart (Chargers, 5th round, 2024): After a relatively unheralded college career, Hart has emerged as a solid CB2/3 in Los Angeles – under Jesse Minter, no less!
Benjamin Morrison (Buccaneers, 2nd round, 2025): Morrison led the FBS with six interceptions in 2022 and 10 passes defended in 2023, earning recognition as a Freshman All-American for the former and a Jim Thorpe Award semi-finalist for the latter.
Xavier Watts (Falcons, 3rd round, 2025): Watts led the nation in interceptions and return yardage in 2023 and 2024. He received All-American nods in both seasons as well as the 2023 Bronco Nagurski Trophy (given annually to the best defender in college football). Watts’ ball production continued in the NFL. His five interceptions in 2025 ranked second in the league and earned him a place on the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
Mickens’ hiring has already drawn plenty of praise around the football world:
This story will be updated with more information.
Category: General Sports
