The Cleveland Browns are entering a new era - and it starts at the top. On Wednesday, the team officially named Todd Monken as their next head coach, signaling a fresh direction for a franchise that’s been searching for long-term stability.
Monken, 59, steps into the role after three seasons as the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive coordinator, where he helped engineer one of the league’s more balanced and efficient attacks. With John Harbaugh unexpectedly dismissed at season’s end, Monken didn’t stay on the market long.
This marks Monken’s first shot as an NFL head coach, and while the spotlight will be bright, he’s walking into a situation that offers both challenges and real upside - especially at the quarterback position, where the Browns are clearly not done making moves.
The 2025 season saw rookie quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel combine for 13 starts, but the results were mixed at best. Sanders, the former Colorado standout and son of Deion Sanders, showed flashes but also the growing pains you’d expect from a first-year signal-caller. Gabriel had his moments as well, but neither player locked down the QB1 job in a way that inspires long-term confidence.
Now, under Monken’s leadership, the Browns are expected to add another quarterback to the mix. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Cleveland is likely to bring in additional competition - with names like Packers free agent Ty Simpson and Alabama’s dual-threat prospect being floated as potential targets. That means Sanders and Gabriel will have to earn their reps all over again in 2026, and the battle for the starting job could be one of the more intriguing storylines to watch this offseason.
That said, it’s not all about the quarterback in Cleveland. There’s a lot for Monken to be excited about as he evaluates this roster.
First and foremost, he inherits one of the most dominant defensive players in the game in Myles Garrett - a game-wrecker who changes how opposing offenses operate every snap. Garrett remains the centerpiece of a defense that showed real teeth last season.
And it’s not just the veterans. The Browns’ 2025 rookie class delivered in a big way.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham made an immediate impact in the trenches, while linebacker Carson Schwesinger brought range and physicality to the second level. On offense, running back Quinshon Judkins flashed big-play ability, and tight end Harold Fannin Jr. emerged as a reliable target in the passing game.
That’s a strong young core to build around, and Monken, known for his creativity and adaptability, should have plenty to work with.
Still, there’s work to be done. Cleveland’s offensive line needs reinforcements, especially if they want to protect whichever quarterback wins the job.
The secondary also has holes that need patching. But with Andrew Berry still at the helm as GM, expect the Browns to be aggressive in addressing those needs this offseason.
Bottom line: Todd Monken walks into a situation that’s far from a rebuild. There’s real talent here - both established stars and ascending young players - and if the Browns can solidify the quarterback position, they could be one of the more intriguing teams in the AFC next season. The Monken era is officially underway in Cleveland, and it’s already shaping up to be one worth watching.