Todd Monken Named Cleveland Browns Head Coach, Reunites With Key Staff
It took a year and a new team, but Monken finally got his guy. The Cleveland Browns have officially hired Todd Monken as their new head coach, marking a significant return for the offensive specialist who previously served as the team’s offensive coordinator in 2019. Monken leaves the Baltimore Ravens, where he served as offensive coordinator, to take the helm in Cleveland, replacing Kevin Stefanski.
A key part of Monken’s arrival involves his staff appointments. Reports confirm that Monken is bringing former Ravens offensive line coach George Warhop with him to Cleveland to fill the same role. This move is seen as a crucial step in Monken establishing his offensive culture immediately. The hiring has sparked discussion regarding the team’s direction, especially given the “finally got his guy” narrative, which suggests Monken had been targeting specific personnel moves that were perhaps unattainable in his previous role or required this specific head coaching opportunity to materialize.
Background and Context
Todd Monken’s hiring concludes a turbulent search for the Browns, who fired Kevin Stefanski following the 2025 season. Monken’s previous tenure in Cleveland (2019) was part of a challenging season under Freddie Kitchens, but his recent success with the Baltimore Ravens’ offense revitalized his head coaching prospects. The move also comes with significant roster implications, with mentions of quarterback Shedeur Sanders in relation to the team’s future and locker room dynamics. The Browns are looking to stabilize their franchise after a period of inconsistency, banking on Monken’s experienced offensive mind and his ability to build a staff he trusts.
Objections and Challenges
The hiring has not been without controversy. Reports indicate that Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz was visibly upset by the decision, having been a candidate for the head coaching job himself. Schwartz’s future with the team remains uncertain, creating potential friction within the coaching staff. Additionally, some analysts have questioned the fit, citing Monken’s previous critical comments about the Browns organization during his 2019 stint. Critics argue that retaining Schwartz or opting for a younger candidate might have offered more stability, while supporters believe Monken’s specific vision and staff choices, like Warhop, are exactly what the offense needs to reset.
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