The Cleveland Browns hired Todd Monken as the team’s new head coach on Wednesday, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Monken is the Browns’ 19th full-time head coach in franchise history.
He previously served as offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens from 2023-25. Monken also operated in the same role with Cleveland during the 2019 season.
The Browns’ interest in the 59-year-old was apparent prior to his hiring, as they interviewed him on Jan. 10.
Monken received his first NFL experience as a wide receivers coach with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2007, remaining in the position for four years before becoming Oklahoma State’s offensive coordinator.
He spent two years with the Cowboys prior to a three-year tenure as head coach of Southern Mississippi. Monken helped the Golden Eagles finish with a 9-5 record and make a bowl appearance in his final year with the school, eventually transitioning to his first stint on the Browns.
He later spent three seasons as quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator at Georgia before returning to the NFL level in Baltimore.
The Ravens excelled with Monken, never ranking below No. 11 in scoring offense during his three seasons with the team. Baltimore also led the NFL with an average of 424.9 total yards per game in 2024.
Lamar Jackson thrived alongside Monken as well, earning MVP honors for his 2023 campaign. Jackson compiled a passer rating over 100 in all three seasons with Monken after doing so in just one of the five years prior to his arrival.
Now, Monken will take over a Cleveland offense that struggled in 2025.
The quarterback position was once again an issue for the Browns last season, with three different players starting under center. Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders combined to throw for just 2,807 yards and 16 touchdowns compared to 18 interceptions.
Despite boasting promising young offensive players such as running back Quinshon Judkins and tight end Harold Fannin Jr., Cleveland ranked No. 31 among all teams by averaging a mere 16.4 points per game in 2025.
Gabriel and Sanders will be in the mix for the Browns’ 2026 quarterback role, while veteran Deshaun Watson is still under contract with the team as well. Cleveland could target additional signal-callers in free agency or the draft, as it owns the No. 6 overall selection in 2026.
A major bright spot for the Browns last year was the performance of their defense, as they ranked No. 4 in the NFL by allowing just 283.6 yards per game.
Their defensive front was particularly imposing, headlined by Myles Garrett and his new single-season record of 23 sacks. The Browns held the No. 2 spot in the league with a pass-rush win rate of 47 percent as a team, via ESPN.
If Monken can help Cleveland make the necessary improvements on offense while remaining stout defensively, the Browns may be able to climb back into the AFC playoff picture.
