The Cleveland Browns are turning back the clock-and hoping it moves them forward-by hiring Todd Monken as their next head coach. It’s a move that might not light up the Dawg Pound with excitement, but it makes a lot more sense than some are giving it credit for. In fact, given the current state of the Browns, Monken might be exactly what this team needs: a steady hand, a sharp offensive mind, and someone who knows exactly what he’s walking into.
Let’s be clear-this job isn’t for the faint of heart. Cleveland is a pressure cooker, and the head coach seat might as well come with a hard hat and a stress ball.
But Monken’s been here before. He served as the Browns’ offensive coordinator back in 2019 during the infamous Freddie Kitchens era.
That season was chaotic, to put it mildly, but Monken’s return signals something different: a chance at redemption, and this time with a far more talented roster.
Monken’s most recent work with the Baltimore Ravens is already being nitpicked by some in Cleveland sports media, particularly his role in Lamar Jackson’s “down” 2025 season. But let’s pump the brakes.
Jackson missed four games due to injury, and Baltimore’s offensive line dropped from seventh to 24th in pass protection, according to PFF. That’s a steep decline, and it matters.
Despite those setbacks, Monken still helped guide the Ravens to the brink of a division title. A Week 1 collapse in Buffalo and a missed field goal in the regular-season finale were all that stood between Baltimore and the AFC North crown.
And let’s not forget what Jackson did under Monken’s watch from 2023 to 2024: over 7,800 passing yards, 65 touchdowns, just 11 interceptions, and a 111.3 passer rating. Oh, and he added 1,736 rushing yards and nine scores on the ground.
That’s elite production by any measure.
Monken didn’t just keep the ship afloat-he helped Lamar evolve into a more complete quarterback. In their two seasons together, Jackson posted the second-best QBR in the league and threw the third-most touchdown passes.
That’s not a fluke. That’s a coach who knows how to get the most out of his quarterback.
Now, Monken steps into a Browns situation that’s complicated but not hopeless. The defense, led by Myles Garrett, remains one of the best in the NFL.
That unit has consistently given Joe Burrow and the Bengals fits, and it’s mostly intact heading into 2026. The bigger question mark is on offense, where the Browns are likely to lose multiple starters along the offensive line to free agency.
That’s a tough pill to swallow, especially with uncertainty at quarterback.
Cleveland holds two first-round picks, which gives Monken some flexibility. Whether it’s Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, or a new face under center, Monken has a bit of a grace period to figure it out.
If Sanders-fresh off a Pro Bowl nod-is the guy, Monken could help unlock his next level. If Watson falters again, the Browns can pivot without having to panic.
The salary cap situation is tight, no doubt. Watson’s massive contract remains an albatross for now.
But once that clears up, Monken will have room to build. And if Andrew Berry can follow up 2025’s strong draft with another solid haul, Cleveland might not be as far off as people think.
This isn’t a flashy hire, but it’s a smart one. Monken brings experience, a proven track record of developing quarterbacks, and a familiarity with the organization that could help him hit the ground running. He’s not walking into a perfect situation-but he’s not walking into a hopeless one either.
If Monken can stabilize the offense and keep the defense humming, the Browns could be a real problem in the AFC North. And that’s something the Bengals, and the rest of the division, should take seriously.