The Cleveland Browns have tapped Todd Monken as their next head coach, the franchise revealed Wednesday. The move brings the 59-year-old back to Cleveland after a successful three-year stint coordinating Baltimore’s high-powered offense.
Monken takes over for Kevin Stefanski, dismissed earlier this month following a dismal 5-12 campaign. The Browns have compiled just eight wins over the past two seasons since their last playoff appearance in 2023, extending a troubling pattern of instability that has plagued the franchise for decades.
The hiring leaves Baltimore and the New York Giants searching for new offensive architects. Industry insiders anticipated Monken might follow John Harbaugh to the Giants if a head coaching opportunity failed to materialize. Instead, Cleveland swooped in to secure his services, betting on his ability to transform their moribund attack.
A Familiar Face Returns
This marks Monken’s second tour with Cleveland, having previously coordinated the offense during Freddie Kitchens’ lone season in 2019. His return makes him the 11th full-time coach since the franchise rejoined the NFL in 1999, a revolving door second only to Las Vegas during that stretch.
Owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam praised Monken’s leadership qualities and commitment to player development in their statement. The franchise conducted an exhaustive search process, interviewing multiple candidates before landing on the veteran offensive mind. The search committee evaluated five finalists through in-person interviews, including defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and Jacksonville’s Grant Udinski, who later withdrew from consideration.
Los Angeles Rams assistant Nate Scheelhaase also interviewed but opted to remain with his current team after exploring multiple opportunities. The Browns scheduled follow-up conversations with Mike McDaniel and Jesse Minter, though both candidates withdrew to accept coordinator positions elsewhere.
Proven Track Record
Monken brings more than three decades of coaching experience across collegiate and professional ranks. His recent Baltimore tenure produced remarkable results, particularly developing quarterback Lamar Jackson into a dual MVP winner. Under Monken’s guidance, the Ravens fielded their first-ever top-ranked offense in franchise history during the 2024 season.
Jackson flourished in Monken’s system, posting career-best numbers in passing yards (4,172), touchdowns (41) and efficiency metrics. The partnership elevated Baltimore’s offensive ceiling to unprecedented heights, making them one of the most dangerous units in football. However, the 2025 campaign exposed friction between coordinator and quarterback, with team sources citing clashes over Monken’s demanding approach. His hard-driving coaching style, while effective initially, created tension that ultimately contributed to his departure from Baltimore.
Before joining Baltimore, Monken orchestrated Georgia’s offensive machine during back-to-back national championship runs in 2021 and 2022. His collegiate success translated seamlessly to the professional level, though his own head coaching stint at Southern Mississippi produced mixed results from 2013 to 2015. Despite a 13-25 overall record, Monken guided the program to a 9-5 breakthrough season in his final year, earning Conference USA Coach of the Year honors and a Heart of Dallas Bowl appearance.
Monumental Challenge Ahead
Monken inherits an offense that ranked dead last in scoring over the previous two seasons, averaging a paltry 15.8 points per contest. General manager Andrew Berry pledged significant offseason investment on that side of the ball, with the new coach wielding input on the quarterback situation.
Deshaun Watson remains under contract after missing 2025 while recovering from a torn Achilles tendon suffered in October 2024. He’ll compete with rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, who split starting duties during their debut campaigns. The quarterback room presents both opportunity and uncertainty, as Monken must evaluate which signal-caller best fits his offensive vision.
Berry emphasized the importance of finding the right fit for Cleveland’s current roster composition. The general manager believes Monken’s diverse background working with various offensive schemes and quarterback types provides maximum flexibility moving forward. His adaptability will prove crucial as the Browns attempt to maximize their young talent while integrating veteran pieces.
Defensive Excellence and Draft Assets
While the offense sputtered, Cleveland’s defense emerged as an elite unit under coordinator Jim Schwartz. The Browns have surrendered the fewest yards per game (298.6) and boasted the best third-down defense (33.8%) since Schwartz arrived in 2023.
Defensive end Myles Garrett stands poised to capture his second Defensive Player of the Year award after a record-breaking 23-sack season. Whether Monken retains Schwartz remains uncertain, though ownership expressed strong interest in keeping the coordinator. Berry acknowledged that staffing decisions ultimately fall under the new head coach’s authority, creating ambiguity around Schwartz’s future despite his exceptional performance.
The Browns possess valuable draft assets, holding picks sixth and 24th in the opening round alongside eight additional selections. Monken will have significant resources to reshape the roster and implement his offensive philosophy. Berry emphasized Monken’s adaptability across different systems and quarterback skill sets as crucial factors in the hiring decision.
High Stakes for Struggling Franchise
The direct, detail-oriented leadership style should provide structure for a young roster requiring development and accountability. The appointment represents a calculated risk for a franchise desperate to end decades of mediocrity and establish sustained competitiveness in an unforgiving division.
Success hinges on whether Monken can replicate his Baltimore magic while navigating the unique challenges Cleveland presents. The organization has invested heavily in talent but failed to generate consistent results, creating pressure on the new regime to deliver immediate improvement. Monken’s ability to develop quarterbacks and maximize offensive potential will determine whether this gamble pays dividends or becomes another disappointing chapter in Browns history.
Source: ESPN
