Todd Monken’s first public appearance as Cleveland Browns head coach centered less on his offense and more on what will not change. Even with defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz’s future unresolved, Monken made it clear the Browns are committed to preserving the aggressive identity that powered one of the NFL’s top units in 2025.

Monken avoided specifics about staffing but emphasized continuity in philosophy, saying, “We’re not planning to change the (defensive) system.” He stressed that Cleveland’s roster is already suited to its current approach, adding that defenders will continue to attack and play instinctively.

That stance matters because Schwartz, the architect of the scheme, has reportedly indicated he does not intend to return despite being under contract for two more seasons.

The Browns finished among the league’s elite defensively in 2025 even as the offense struggled. Cleveland ranked fourth in yardage allowed, and Myles Garrett capped the season by breaking the franchise single-season sack record with his 23rd on the final day. Those results have added weight to Monken’s message that the system belongs to the players as much as to the coach who installed it.

Monken underscored that point by saying, “They’re a big reason why I took this job, the defensive players. I didn’t take this job because of Jim Schwartz.”

While he acknowledged respect for Schwartz, his comments signaled that Cleveland is prepared to move forward if necessary, prioritizing roster strengths over coaching continuity.

Browns balance defensive stability with youth-driven rebuild

Behind the scenes, Cleveland’s leadership appears aligned with Monken’s approach. Owner Jimmy Haslam and general manager Andrew Berry declined to address Schwartz’s status directly, reinforcing that the organization is focused on the broader reset under its new coach.

The expectation is that the defensive structure remains intact, potentially through internal promotions, even if Schwartz exits.

Monken’s familiarity with the unit adds context. As Baltimore’s offensive coordinator for the past three seasons, he faced Cleveland twice a year and described preparing for Schwartz’s defense as a challenge.

“When I was preparing for the Cleveland Browns (in Baltimore), I wasn’t trying to chip Jim Schwartz,” Monken said. “I was chipping Myles Garrett.” His comments highlighted how individual talent, not just scheme, drove Cleveland’s success.

That perspective fits with Berry’s vision of a roster built largely through the draft. The Browns project to be among the NFL’s youngest teams in 2026, armed with 10 draft picks and a defense already stocked with ascending players like Garrett, Denzel Ward, and Grant Delpit.

The Browns are not promising immediate contention, but they are betting that defensive continuity paired with offensive reconstruction can deliver visible improvement from a 5-12 season. Whether that balance holds without Schwartz remains one of the defining questions of Monken’s first year.