After weeks of searching, the Browns have landed on a new head coach. He’s older than your average first-year tactician, although his credentials — both in the collegiate and professional game — could prove appealing for a weary Cleveland fanbase.
Todd Monken, the Ravens‘ former offensive coordinator, was appointed head coach on Wednesday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The 59-year-old enjoyed marked success in Baltimore, spearheading — alongside Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry — an attack that ranked fourth, third and 11th in scoring across his three seasons in Charm City.
Monken’s hiring was something of a surprise, with Cleveland linked with a host of other candidates, including Grant Udinski, Chris Shula, Nick Scheelhase and Mike McDaniel. Monken will have his work cut out for him as he attempts to find consistent success within an organization that has only made the postseason three times since the turn of the century.
With that, here’s what you need to know about Monken’s appointment to the head coaching post in Cleveland, including its impact on various stakeholders inside and outside the Browns ranks, from Shedeur Sanders and Jim Schwartz to John Harbaugh.
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Why Browns hired Todd Monken
Monken’s hiring might have more to do with availability than anything else. The former Baltimore and Georgia offensive coordinator was considered an enticing offensive coordinator candidate during this year’s coaching carousel and appeared close to reprising his role on John Harbaugh’s staff with the Giants.
However, Cleveland — having faced withdrawals from the likes of Udinski, Shula and McDaniel — made Monken an offer he couldn’t refuse.
There’s reason to believe he could be successful. The Browns possess one of football’s finest defensive units, surrendering the fewest yards per game (298.6) and best third-down conversion rate (33.8%) since defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz was hired in 2023. It’s unclear if Schwartz will stick around — he was considered for Cleveland’s head-coaching gig prior to Monken’s hire. Nevertheless, if the Browns can maintain their stout defensive reputation while adding wrinkles to their attack, they could experience an ascent under Monken.
That’s a big if, however. Monken has his work cut out for him, taking over an offense that ranked as football’s second-worst performing in 2025.
What Todd Monken hire means for Shedeur Sanders
Monken aided in Jackson’s development, crafting a more mature tactical setup that allowed for Jackson to showcase his passing ability. That translated to 10,399 passing yards, 86 passing touchdowns and a 109.5 passer rating for Jackson across Monken’s tenure, the 11th, fourth and best figures in football during that span.
Sanders is no Jackson. He posted underwhelming numbers in his maiden season, completing just 56.6 percent of his throws for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions in seven starts. There wasn’t a lot of production around him. But Sanders certainly didn’t entrench himself as the future of Cleveland’s franchise.
Monken is known to adjust his play-calling based on the personnel available to him. In Baltimore, he leaned into Jackson and Henry’s capabilities, orchestrating a unit that ranked as one of the league’s most fearsome on the ground. The Ravens passed the ball plenty, to be sure. But their run game hummed along throughout his tenure, ranking first, first and second in rushing yards during Monken’s stint.
The Browns were the sixth-worst rushing team in 2025. Comparatively, they were the second-worst passing side, producing just 3,152 passing yards. Given Cleveland’s passing woes, it seems likely that Monken will employ a run-heavy approach, one that should help simplify the game for Sanders — in the event that he remains the starter coming out of training camp.
What Todd Monken hire means for Jim Schwartz, other candidates
Monken’s appointment left Schwartz in limbo. The Browns’ head coach is likely to want to build a coaching staff in his own image. Schwartz, meanwhile, was seeking a return to the head-coaching headset, having failed to land such a role since the Lions fired him following the 2013 season.
While some hoped Schwartz — one of the NFL’s best defensive minds — would feature on Monken’s staff in 2026, that doesn’t appear to be on the cards. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that Schwartz said his goodbyes and told other coaches he’s not returning to the Browns upon hearing he had been passed over in favor of Monken.
Other figures affected by Monken’s hire includes Harbaugh, who was expected to bring Monken to the Big Apple in 2026. With Monken out the door, Harbaugh will have to seek out another tactician to call offensive plays for the Giants.
Todd Monken contract details
It’s unclear just how much Monken will make in his new position. He’s unlikely to command the salaries enjoyed by veteran play-callers like Harbaugh, Andy Reid and Sean Payton. Perhaps he landed a deal approaching the $3.5 million AAV former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski reportedly received during his time in charge.
