Cleveland Browns to hire Todd Monken as head coach; check details

The Cleveland Browns have made a bold move in their coaching search, as they are hiring Todd Monken as their new head coach. Monken, turning 60 on February 5, will step into his first NFL head coaching role after three seasons as the Baltimore Ravens' offensive coordinator. He will replace Kevin Stefanski, whose six-year tenure ended with a 5-12 record in 2025 and an 8-26 mark since the team's last playoff appearance in 2023.

Todd Monken's track record

Todd Monken's reputation centers on elite rushing attacks and quarterback development. During his Ravens tenure from 2023-2025, Baltimore ranked at or near the top in rushing categories. In 2023, he helped Lamar Jackson earn his second MVP award. The 2024 season saw the Ravens post the NFL's No. 1 offense for the first time in franchise history, with Jackson setting career highs in passing yards (4,172), touchdowns (41), and yards per attempt (8.8).

His rushing success carried over from his 2019 stint as Browns offensive coordinator under Freddie Kitchens, where Cleveland ranked fourth in yards per rush (4.8).

This offensive expertise addresses Cleveland's glaring weakness. The Browns ranked last in scoring over the past two seasons

Coaching search twists and final decision

The Cleveland Browns interviewed several candidates, including defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, Jaguars OC Grant Udinski, Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, and Commanders run game coordinator Anthony Lynn. Udinski withdrew after his interview, while Scheelhaase plans to stay with the Rams. Second interviews with Mike McDaniel and Jesse Minter fell through as they took on other roles.

Todd Monken will become the Browns' 11th full-time coach since 1999, second only to the Raiders (13) in that span. He previously worked in Cleveland in 2019, but now he will get full control as head coach.

Challenges ahead

Todd Monken will inherit a quarterback room featuring Deshaun Watson (rehabbing a torn Achilles from 2024), rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders (who started six and seven games in 2025), and questions at the position.

With the sixth and 24th picks in the 2026 NFL Draft plus 10 total selections, Monken will have resources to reshape the roster. His hard-driving style clashed with Jackson in Baltimore's final year together, but his success in developing talent could spark a turnaround in Cleveland.

This hiring will signal a shift toward offensive firepower while leaning on a top-tier defense.