The Cleveland Browns have officially named Todd Monken as their new head coach, concluding a detailed three-week review of candidates. Monken, who served as the Browns’ offensive coordinator in 2019 and brings three years as the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive coordinator, steps into his first full NFL head coaching position.
Monken succeeds Kevin Stefanski, dismissed on January 5 following a disappointing 5-12 season for Cleveland. Stefanski's departure came after compiling a 46-58 record across his tenure, including leading the Browns to playoff appearances in 2020 and 2023, and earning two AP NFL Coach of the Year awards.
Team owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam expressed confidence in Monken's leadership qualities. They highlighted his effective communication, emphasis on trust, accountability, and rigorous preparation. The organization’s comprehensive evaluation also underscored Monken’s commitment to player development and the respect he commands as a straightforward, disciplined coach.
While Monken was a known entity from his previous role with Cleveland, alternative candidates such as defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz had been viewed as strong contenders. Schwartz has notably engineered one of the NFL’s elite defenses, with the Browns ranking first in total defense in 2023 and fourth in the most recent season, thanks in part to Myles Garrett’s NFL single-season sack record of 23.
Despite Schwartz's contract for an additional year, expectations are that he may seek opportunities elsewhere after being passed over, posing potential continuity challenges for the Browns. This decision marks the seventh head coach appointment under the Haslam ownership since 2012, a period characterized more by instability than sustained success, with the previous six coaches recording a cumulative 73-139-1 regular-season record.
Cleveland's recent performance under Stefanski included an 8-26 record over the last two seasons, intensifying scrutiny on the coaching search process. Although the Browns interviewed a broad field of 10 candidates, several notable withdrawals and declines occurred, reflecting possible uncertainty around the franchise’s direction. Among those advancing to second interviews alongside Monken were Schwartz, Grant Udinski, and Rams pass coordinator Nate Scheelhaase. Udinski withdrew to remain with Jacksonville, while Mike McDaniel and Jesse Minter both canceled scheduled follow-up talks, with McDaniel joining the LA Chargers as offensive coordinator and Minter taking the Baltimore head coaching role.
Monken, approaching his 60th birthday, had his initial interview on January 10, followed by a second on January 20. He had also been linked to other NFL offensive coordinator vacancies, including Tampa Bay and New York Giants, before his selection by Cleveland. His coaching résumé includes a recent stint at the University of Georgia (2020-2022) where he served as offensive coordinator and contributed to national championships in 2021 and 2022.
During the 2023 NFL season, the Baltimore Ravens under Monken’s leadership ranked second in rushing yards per game (156.6) and 11th in points per game (24.9). Notably, the team's offense set an NFL record by surpassing both 4,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards in the same season.
Monken’s prior NFL experience extends to roles with Jacksonville and Tampa Bay, and he was head coach at Southern Mississippi from 2011 to 2013, compiling a 13-26 record. His primary challenge with Cleveland will be to identify a dependable quarterback and formulate a sustainable offensive strategy.
The Browns have struggled with quarterback stability, having started 13 different quarterbacks during Stefanski’s period, including seven in the last two seasons. A high-profile trade for Deshaun Watson in 2022, which involved sacrificing five draft picks, has not yielded the desired results. Watson has played only 19 games with a 9-10 starting record, posting 19 touchdowns against 12 interceptions and an 80.7 passer rating. His rehabilitation from a torn Achilles tendon kept him off the field for the last season, and although he resumed practice for three weeks recently, he was not placed on the active roster.
The Browns’ recent starting quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, appeared in the final seven games with a 3-4 record amid adversity including a makeshift offensive line and the absence of key offensive players. Whether Sanders will be considered the starter going forward remains to be seen.
The 2023 Browns offense was noted for its youth, becoming only the second team in the Super Bowl era, along with the 1968 Buffalo Bills, to have rookies lead the team in passing, rushing, and receiving yards. Looking ahead, Cleveland holds the 6th and 24th overall selections in the forthcoming NFL Draft.
Jimmy Haslam emphasized the critical nature of the upcoming offseason, urging the organization to focus on securing the right head coach, executing an efficient free agent strategy, and capitalizing on 10 draft picks, including two number one overall selections and four picks within the top three rounds. The franchise aims to reinforce its roster with high-caliber talent both in skill and character and is prepared to explore trade opportunities to advance its competitive position.