The Cleveland Browns are locking in their vision for 2026, and it starts with Todd Monken officially taking the reins as head coach. But Monken isn’t wasting time. He’s already reshaping the offensive staff with a wave of new hires that signal a clear shift in direction-and ambition-on that side of the ball.
Let’s break down what we know so far.
Offensive Overhaul: Monken’s New Crew
Monken is reportedly bringing in Travis Switzer as offensive coordinator. Switzer’s role will be pivotal as the Browns look to modernize and streamline their offensive identity. With Monken’s background in creative, tempo-driven offenses, Switzer’s hire suggests we could see a more aggressive, flexible scheme in Cleveland-something fans have been clamoring for.
Joining Switzer is veteran offensive line coach George Warhop. Warhop’s résumé spans decades and includes developing some of the league’s more consistent fronts. With the Browns’ offensive line already boasting talent, Warhop’s job will be to refine technique and bring consistency to a group that’s had its share of ups and downs.
Daniel Stern comes in as Associate Head Coach, a title that usually carries weight behind the scenes. Stern’s experience in analytics and game management could be a huge asset for Monken on Sundays, especially in high-leverage moments.
The rest of the offensive staff is rounded out by:
- Ian Kolste, Offensive Quality Control - often an unsung role, but crucial for breaking down film, identifying tendencies, and feeding intel to the coordinators.
- Mike Bajakian, Quarterbacks Coach - a key hire, especially considering the importance of quarterback development in today’s NFL. Bajakian has worked with a range of QBs and brings a reputation for being detail-oriented and adaptable.
- Danny Breyer, Pass Game Coordinator - expect him to work closely with Switzer and Bajakian to design route concepts and passing strategies tailored to Monken’s vision.
- Jeff Blasko, Tight Ends Coach - a position that’s taken on more significance in modern offenses.
Blasko’s task will be to get the most out of a tight end room that’s shown flashes but needs more consistency.
Defensive Continuity… Maybe
On the defensive side, things are a little more fluid. While there’s no official word yet on Jim Schwartz’s future with the team, Monken has made it clear: the Browns aren’t looking to overhaul the defense. That’s telling.
Schwartz led one of the league’s top units last season, and continuity could be the best play here. But if Schwartz and Monken can’t align, the Browns may look internally to promote someone already familiar with the scheme. That move would preserve the defensive identity while giving Monken a chance to shape the staff in his own image.
A Unique Hire at Chief of Staff
One of the more intriguing moves is the reported hiring of a high school head coach-Carr-as Monken’s Chief of Staff. While unconventional on the surface, there’s history here. Carr worked with Monken at Southern Miss as director of football operations, and the trust between them appears to run deep.
Carr’s path is a testament to persistence in the coaching world. A former Louisiana Tech wide receiver, he’s coached at the college level and most recently led two different high school programs. Now, he’s stepping into a role that’s all about managing the head coach’s bandwidth-handling logistics, communication, and filtering the constant stream of demands that come with running an NFL team.
Carr spoke about the opportunity with the kind of perspective that resonates across the sport:
“I tell our players all the time that you have dreams and goals and that doesn’t stop as kids,” Carr said. “You’ll go your whole life still wanting to reach goals and aspirations... To have the opportunity to live out my childhood dream and join the National Football League with the Cleveland Browns is a dream of mine.”
Carr steps into a role previously held by Callie Brownson, who was a trusted voice in Kevin Stefanski’s operation. It’s a position that rarely grabs headlines but plays a vital part in keeping the organization running smoothly behind the curtain.
What This All Means
Monken’s early moves show a coach with a clear vision. He’s not just filling roles-he’s building a staff that reflects his philosophy: forward-thinking, detail-driven, and built on relationships he trusts. The offensive reset is the headline, but the decisions around staff structure and defensive continuity are just as important.
This is a pivotal moment for the Browns. After years of searching for sustained success, they’re betting on Monken to bring stability and innovation. If these hires click the way Monken hopes, Cleveland might finally have the foundation it needs to make noise in the AFC.