Introduction

The Cleveland Browns have made a significant leadership change by hiring Todd Monken as their new head coach, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Monken becomes the 19th full-time head coach in the franchise's tumultuous history. With Monken's extensive background in offensive coaching, the Browns are hoping to revitalize their struggling offense moving forward.

Monken's Coaching Background

Before returning to the Browns, Todd Monken served as the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens from 2023 to 2025. His tenure in Baltimore was marked by notable success, with the Ravens consistently ranking among the top teams in scoring offense. In fact, during his three seasons, Monken's offensive strategies ensured that the Ravens never dropped below 11th in the league for scoring, concluding a standout campaign in 2024 with an NFL-leading average of 424.9 total yards per game.

Monken first gained his NFL experience as a wide receivers coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2007, and he held that position for four years. He then transitioned to become the offensive coordinator at Oklahoma State, followed by a three-year stint as head coach of Southern Mississippi. Under his leadership, the Golden Eagles not only finished with a 9-5 record but also made a bowl appearance in his last season. This successful run eventually led him back to the Browns for his first stint as offensive coordinator in 2019.

A Strong Record of Development

Monken's collaborations with star players have led to notable achievements, particularly with Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Under Monken’s guidance, Jackson thrived offensively, achieving MVP status for his 2023 campaign while compiling an impressive passer rating over 100 throughout all three of Monken's seasons with Baltimore. Prior to Monken's arrival, Jackson had only achieved that rating once in his first five seasons.

Now, Monken faces the challenging task of transforming a Cleveland offense that struggled significantly in the previous season. The Browns ranked near the bottom of the league in scoring, averaging just 16.4 points per game in 2025, placing them at 31st out of 32 NFL teams.

Assessing the Browns' Current Roster

The quarterback position was a major issue for the Browns last season, with three different players under center: Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders. Collectively, they managed only 2,807 passing yards against 18 interceptions, scoring a mere 16 touchdowns. With the potential for change, Gabriel and Sanders remain in the mix for the 2026 starting quarterback position alongside veteran Deshaun Watson, who is still under contract with the team.

The Browns also hold a valuable No. 6 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, potentially providing them the opportunity to target additional quarterbacks or offensive playmakers as they look to improve their scoring capabilities.

A Defensive Standout

On the other side of the ball, the Browns' defense proved to be a formidable unit last season, ranking fourth in the NFL by allowing just 283.6 yards per game. The team's defensive front, led by Myles Garrett, was particularly impressive, with Garrett setting a new single-season record with 23 sacks. The defense not only excelled in terms of yardage allowed but also boasted a pass-rush win rate of 47 percent, placing them second in the league according to ESPN.

Looking Ahead

As Todd Monken takes on his new role, the expectations for revitalizing the Browns' offense are high. Finding the right quarterback will be crucial, along with ensuring that the team maintains its defensive momentum. If Monken can successfully enhance the offensive unit and continue to fortify the defense, Cleveland may find themselves back in playoff contention in the highly competitive AFC.

Conclusion

With Todd Monken at the helm, the Cleveland Browns are poised for what they hope will be a transformative era. Drawing from his vast experience at various levels of football, Monken's ability to develop talent and execute effective offensive strategies will be put to the test as the franchise looks to rise from their recent struggles and make a real push for the postseason in the upcoming NFL season.