The Cleveland Browns are on the hunt for a new head coach, and their search is intensifying! The question is: Could a familiar face be the answer to their problems? On Saturday, they interviewed Todd Monken, the current offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, for the coveted position. This marks the fifth candidate to be considered for the role.
Monken's name might ring a bell for Browns fans. He previously served as Cleveland's offensive coordinator back in 2019. Before Monken, the Browns interviewed their own offensive coordinator Tommy Rees and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz on Thursday. Then, on Friday, they spoke with Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher and Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde.
At 59 years old, Monken brings a wealth of experience to the table. He's been orchestrating the Ravens' offense since 2023, and the results have been nothing short of impressive. In his first two seasons, he transformed the Ravens' offense into a powerhouse. Consider this: they ranked first in the league in red zone touchdown percentage (67.9%), rushing yards per game (172.1), and passer rating (an impressive 110.8). They weren't just good; they were dominant. And this is the part most people miss: He achieved this while adapting his system to the strengths of quarterback Lamar Jackson, showcasing his adaptability and coaching prowess. The team also secured second place in points per game (28.4), yards per play (6.3), and total yards per game (397.6) during that two-year span. In the 2025 regular season they finished second in rushing yards per game (156.6) and 11th in average points per game (24.9).
But here's where it gets controversial... While some credit Monken entirely for the Ravens' offensive explosion, others argue that the talent already present on the roster played a significant role. What do you think?
Let's rewind to his earlier stint with the Browns in 2019. During that season, Monken oversaw an offense that saw running back Nick Chubb thrive, racking up the league's second-most rushing yards (1,494) and eight touchdowns. Quarterback Baker Mayfield also enjoyed a career-high in passing yards (3,827) and threw 22 touchdowns. It's worth noting, though, that the Browns' overall record that year was disappointing, leading some to question the effectiveness of the entire coaching staff.
Before his time in Cleveland, Monken served as the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2016 to 2018. During his tenure, the Buccaneers' offense was a force to be reckoned with, leading the NFL in passing offense (320.3 yards per game) and finishing third in total offense (514.5 yards per game). These numbers weren't just good; they were record-breaking, setting single-season franchise records in both categories.
Monken's coaching resume spans an impressive 37 seasons, including 11 in the NFL. He's spent seven seasons as an NFL offensive coordinator and another four as a wide receivers coach with the Jacksonville Jaguars. But his experience extends beyond the professional level. He also boasts 26 years of coaching experience at the collegiate level, including a stint as the head coach of Southern Miss from 2013 to 2015 and as the offensive coordinator at the University of Georgia from 2020 to 2022, where he helped lead the Bulldogs to national championships. He kicked off his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Grand Valley State from 1989 to 1990. Fun fact: Monken was also a three-year letterman quarterback at Knox College.
Bio Blast: Todd Monken
- Current Role: Ravens Offensive Coordinator
- Age: 59
- Hometown: Wheaton, Illinois
- College: Knox College
- NFL Experience: 11 years
So, what do you think, Browns fans? Is Todd Monken the right man to lead the team forward? Does his previous experience in Cleveland give him an advantage, or does the team need a completely fresh perspective? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
