Todd Monken is officially in the building as the Cleveland Browns’ new head coach, and he’s already making his presence felt. While he had a light-hearted moment with Shedeur Sanders following his hire, not everyone in the facility is all smiles-defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz reportedly isn’t thrilled. But Monken has work to do, and job one is filling out his offensive staff.
According to a report from Jeremy Fowler, former Ravens run-game coordinator Travis Switzer is considered the frontrunner for the Browns’ offensive coordinator job. Switzer is expected to interview with the team soon, and the pairing makes a lot of football sense on paper.
The vision? Blend Monken’s pass-game creativity with the downhill, physical run-game principles that defined Baltimore’s ground attack.
That’s a compelling idea. Baltimore’s run game has long been one of the most effective and consistent in the league, built on misdirection, power concepts, and a relentless commitment to physicality. Bringing that DNA to Cleveland could be exactly what this offense needs to finally find its identity.
Because let’s be honest-the Browns have been stuck in neutral offensively for the past two seasons. They’ve ranked dead last in points scored over that span, and the quarterback situation has been anything but stable.
Deshaun Watson’s future remains uncertain. Shedeur Sanders showed flashes, but it’s unclear if he’s the long-term answer.
And Dillon Gabriel? He’s still in the mix, but nothing’s set in stone.
That kind of uncertainty under center makes building a cohesive offense tricky. But Monken’s arrival signals a shift in approach. He’s known for his aggressive, vertical passing designs and adaptability, and if paired with Switzer’s ground-game expertise, the Browns could finally put together a balanced, modern offense.
There’s also help on the way through the draft. Cleveland holds two first-round picks, including the No. 6 overall selection.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. believes the Browns should use that pick to solidify the offensive line, targeting a versatile tackle with the size, strength, and footwork to play on either side. That’s a foundational move-protect the quarterback, open running lanes, and give Monken’s offense the time it needs to operate.
Then there’s pick No. 24.
That could be the spot to grab a playmaker on the outside. The receiver room needs reinforcements.
Jerry Jeudy hasn’t established himself as a true WR1, and while tight end Harold Fannin Jr. has intriguing upside, the Browns need more weapons to stretch the field and create mismatches.
One area where Cleveland is in solid shape? The running back room.
Quinshon Judkins leads the way, and he’s the kind of back who can thrive in a Switzer-led ground game-physical, decisive, and built for volume. That’s a great starting point for a run-first identity that can take pressure off the quarterback, whoever that ends up being.
And let’s not forget: the defense is already built to win now. Jim Schwartz has that unit operating at a high level. If the offense can catch up-if Monken and his staff can get the quarterback situation stabilized, nail the draft, and bring in the right pieces-Cleveland could make some serious noise in the AFC.
For now, the pieces are being put in place. Monken’s vision is starting to take shape.
The next few weeks-especially the coordinator hire and draft prep-will be crucial. The Browns don’t need a total overhaul.
They just need the right plan, and the right people to execute it.