After firing Kevin Stefanski, the Browns were looking to hire a new head coach. They hired former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as the team's new head coach. Several top coaches declined the job, possibly because of their poor performance and not backing Kevin Stefanski. Before this role, Monken was with the Baltimore Ravens as a key member of the offense. Interestingly, he served as the Cleveland Browns' offensive coordinator during the 2019 season.
Despite a long coaching career in both college football and the NFL, this is the first time you'll see Todd Monken as an NFL head coach. His ability to help teams score a lot of points makes him one of the best offensive coaches. While the current points table tells a different story, Monken's presence could be a decisive factor in the Cleveland Browns' long-term success.
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Todd Monken: The beginning of a new chapter
Hiring a coach is difficult, especially when the team is going through a bad phase. After three weeks of search, the Cleveland Browns decided to go with Todd Monken over all the other coaches they were eyeing. The X-factor for Todd Monken is his consistency as a coach and leader. Though Monken is a renowned face in the NFL for his offensive mind and experience with top teams, his first NFL head-coaching job would be a unique experience to watch.
For the last three seasons, Monken was a vital factor in helping the Baltimore Ravens play exceptionally well. His offensive tactics were the reason for Lamar Jackson's success as a quarterback. Apart from that, he was Tampa Bay's and Georgia's offensive coordinator and had a short stint with the same Browns team. What makes this deal special is that Todd was not the team's first choice.
When big coaches like Mike McDaniel, Jesse Minter, and Grant Udinski opted out, Monken was the only viable option left. However, Browns did not see this as a failure and felt that Monken is indeed one of the most committed candidates for the job. With his blend of experience and adaptability, Browns would be looking to turn things around.
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Why did Monken come back to Cleveland?
Experiments and innovation do not scare coaches like Monken. He has been in the field helping the college and NFL teams for over three decades. The 59-year-old has helped teams with some of the most dynamic offenses, posting strong rushing and passing numbers. It was Monken's leadership that helped the Baltimore Ravens build one of the league's top rushing and scoring attacks.
The best thing about Monken's leadership style is his direct and demanding approach. He emphasizes strongly preparation and adaptability. And that's what the Browns need at the moment. The Cleveland Browns' owners, Dee and Jimmy Haslam, lauded his ability to develop players, communicate clearly, and hold a team accountable. Thus, Monken's return to the team after almost 7 years would bring more stability and growth.
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Road ahead for the Browns
The 2025 season was almost a nightmare for the Cleveland Browns, with their 5 wins and 12 losses, mainly due to offensive inconsistency and a carousel of starting quarterbacks. The biggest challenge for Monken would be finding long-term success with a roster that is struggling at the most critical position. Monken may bring fresh energy to the table, but the Browns are facing several hurdles ahead.
After the announcement of Todd Monken as the head coach, Cleveland's defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz parted his ways with the team. It explains how complex it is to hire a coach. The Brown's search process is unique. Potential coaches must write essays, have their personality profile evaluated, and undergo a thorough evaluation. The process puts off many candidates as they don't want it to be this difficult.
Browns' fans are mildly excited but cautiously optimistic. Monken might bring a wealth of experience and skill, but he will have to resolve questions at quarterback and rebuild the team and fans' confidence. The Cleveland Browns have been struggling since 2012, and have never been to the Super Bowl. Fans hope that Todd Monken's arrival might give them a clear direction and a chance to reset.
