The Cleveland Browns have officially hired Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as their new head coach, betting on his direct, demanding leadership and offensive acumen to guide a young roster out of its recent struggles.
The Cleveland Browns have officially ended their coaching search, hiring Todd Monken to be the team’s next head coach. The move, confirmed on Wednesday, brings a veteran offensive mind to a franchise in desperate need of a clear direction after a 5-12 season led to the firing of Kevin Stefanski.
This is Monken’s first NFL head coaching position, though he is no stranger to the organization or the pressures of leading an offense. He previously served as the Browns’ offensive coordinator in 2019, a stint that ended with the firing of head coach Freddie Kitchens and his entire staff after a 6-10 campaign. Monken turns 60 on Feb. 5.
A Proven Offensive Mind for a Young Team
The Browns’ decision to hire Monken is a clear signal that the front office, led by general manager Andrew Berry, prioritizes offensive innovation and quarterback development. Monken spent the past three seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, where he orchestrated an offense that helped former NFL MVP Lamar Jackson reach new heights. His experience with a dynamic, mobile quarterback is a significant asset for a Browns team that has invested heavily in Deshaun Watson.
“Todd has a varied and diverse background that we found as a particularly appealing match for our team at this stage in its life cycle,” Berry said in a statement. “He has a direct, demanding, and detail-oriented leadership style that will create a great incubator for a young team.”
Berry emphasized Monken’s ability to adapt his offensive system to different quarterback skill sets, a trait that will be crucial as the Browns continue to build their roster around Watson. “His successful offensive track record at both the pro and college level with a variety of offensive systems and QB skill sets will allow maximum flexibility as we make several long-term investments on that side of the ball,” Berry added.
A Journeyman Coach with a Winning Pedigree
Monken’s path to the top of the NFL coaching ranks has been unconventional, marked by successful stints in both the collegiate and professional ranks. Before his time in Baltimore, he was the offensive coordinator at the University of Georgia (2020-22), where he was a key part of two College Football Playoff National Championship teams under head coach Kirby Smart. He also held the same position with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2016-17).
His coaching journey began at the collegiate level, where he spent 15 seasons as an assistant before taking his first head coaching job at Southern Miss (2013-15). Despite a 13-25 record, Monken turned the program around, leading the Golden Eagles to a 9-5 record and a bowl game in his final season, a feat that caught the attention of NFL franchises.
“The lessons he learned from John Harbaugh and Kirby Smart as well as his demonstrated track record turning around Southern Miss have shown us that he has a full understanding of what the position requires and the capacity to execute,” Berry said, highlighting the high-profile mentors who have shaped Monken’s coaching philosophy.
The Search for a Stefanski Replacement
The Browns’ search for a new head coach was extensive, with the team reportedly interviewing nine candidates to replace Stefanski. Monken emerged as the frontrunner after a rigorous process that saw five candidates—including Monken, Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, and others—interviewed a second time.
Monken is the 19th full-time head coach in the history of the Browns. His hiring comes with the weight of expectation from owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam, who praised his “experienced, innovative offensive mindset” and commitment to player development.
“In our committee’s exhaustive reference work on Todd, his commitment to player development was evident, and his tough and straightforward coaching is respected by the players and the coaches he’s worked with, putting our team in a position to succeed while developing our players to maximize their talents,” the Haslams said in a statement.
For Stefanski, the end of his tenure in Cleveland was not the end of his head coaching career. He was quickly hired by the Atlanta Falcons to take over their head coaching opening, marking a swift transition for one of the league’s more respected offensive minds.
With Monken now at the helm, the Browns’ immediate focus will be on installing his offensive system and establishing the “winning culture” that owners and fans have long awaited. The pressure is on for Monken to deliver, and his first major test will be proving that his offensive genius can translate into wins in the AFC North.
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