The Cleveland Browns are still deep in the search for their next head coach, and the process has been anything but straightforward. With several candidates pulling out of the running-including names like Grant Udinski and Jesse Minter-the field has narrowed, but one intriguing possibility remains on the board: Todd Monken.
According to Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot, Monken, who’s been the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive coordinator for the past three seasons, is still very much in the mix. While his name hasn’t generated the kind of buzz some other candidates have, he hasn’t been ruled out either. For a franchise looking to reset after another underwhelming season, Monken presents a different kind of option-one that may not excite fans at first glance, but still carries real NFL experience and a track record of working with top-tier offensive talent.
Monken’s 2025 campaign in Baltimore didn’t exactly set the league on fire. The Ravens finished 16th in total offense, averaging 332.2 yards per game and tallying 44 total touchdowns.
That output wasn’t enough to get the team into the postseason, and an 8-9 finish ultimately led to the end of John Harbaugh’s 18-season run as head coach. Harbaugh has since landed with the New York Giants, while Baltimore moved quickly to bring in Jesse Minter as his replacement.
Monken, meanwhile, has made it clear he won’t be returning as the Ravens’ offensive coordinator in 2026. While he hasn’t officially parted ways with the team yet, his name continues to circulate in coaching searches around the league-including in Cleveland, where the Browns are still evaluating their next move.
The fan reaction to Monken’s candidacy has been, to put it mildly, less than enthusiastic. Social media lit up with responses ranging from skeptical to outright hostile. Some fans called the potential hire "underwhelming," while others went even further, questioning the franchise’s direction and expressing frustration with what they see as another misstep in a long line of them.
That frustration isn’t just coming from fans. Browns analyst Tony Rizzo didn’t hold back when discussing the team’s hiring process.
Reports surfaced recently that the Browns asked coaching candidates to complete essays and assignments as part of the interview process-an approach that reportedly led to several candidates withdrawing from consideration. Rizzo, speaking on ESPN Cleveland, took aim at the organization’s reliance on analytics and unconventional methods.
"Their information with analytics, where has it gotten them? You suck," Rizzo said bluntly.
"Do you need me to tell you this, or you can just look at your record and your roster? You suck.
The analytics got you one of the worst trades of all time."
He didn’t stop there, criticizing the pool of coaching candidates and questioning the team’s decision-making: "The analytics have produced the worst coaching candidates I've ever seen. And you're going back at it? What is wrong with these people?"
It’s a harsh assessment, but one that echoes the sentiment of a fanbase that’s been through plenty. Kevin Stefanski, who held the job for the past six seasons, was let go after the 2025 season.
Despite leading the Browns to two playoff appearances, he finished with a 45-56 overall record. On January 17, he was named the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.
Now, the Browns are left with a critical decision: stick with a process that’s drawn criticism from fans and analysts alike, or pivot toward a more traditional approach in hopes of finding the right leader to turn things around. Whether that leader is Todd Monken or someone else, one thing is clear-Cleveland can’t afford to get this one wrong.