The Cleveland Browns have officially named Todd Monken as the 19th head coach in franchise history, and while his hiring might not have come with fireworks or fanfare, there’s no denying the depth of experience and offensive pedigree he brings to Berea.
Monken steps into the top job after a successful stint as the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens - a stretch that saw the Ravens consistently field one of the league’s most dynamic and productive offenses, particularly on the ground. Monken’s fingerprints were all over Baltimore’s evolution, especially in how they maximized the unique skill set of Lamar Jackson. Under Monken, Jackson didn’t just remain a dual-threat quarterback - he became a more refined and dangerous pocket passer, complementing his already elite mobility.
That familiarity with Jackson could now become a strategic advantage for Cleveland. Monken, in a light-hearted moment during an interview with Browns insider Nathan Zegura, shared a playful exchange he had with his former quarterback after news of his hiring broke.
“Lamar Jackson texted me and said congratulations,” Monken said. “I said thanks, ‘I wouldn’t have gotten the job without you. Now we’re gonna blitz your ass on every 3rd down.’”
It was a tongue-in-cheek comment, but there’s a layer of truth underneath the joke. Few coaches in the league know Jackson’s tendencies, decision-making patterns, and in-game instincts better than Monken. And while no team has truly figured out how to stop Jackson - his 10-5 record against the Browns is a testament to that - having someone who’s worked closely with him could give Cleveland a much-needed edge in their annual AFC North chess matches.
Monken’s coaching journey spans nearly four decades, and he’s built a reputation as a sharp offensive mind who knows how to get the most out of his personnel. He’s not a one-size-fits-all play-caller. Instead, he’s shown a consistent ability to tailor his system to fit the strengths of his roster - a trait that will be crucial as he takes over a Browns offense that’s still searching for its identity.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t Baltimore, and Monken won’t have a Lamar Jackson-type talent under center in Cleveland. The Browns’ offensive unit needs work - from the quarterback room to the skill positions to the offensive line. But Monken’s arrival, along with a revamped coaching staff, signals a fresh start and a new direction.
This is Monken’s first shot as a head coach in the NFL, and while the expectations may not be sky-high out of the gate, there’s genuine intrigue about how he’ll mold this team. His track record suggests he’s more than capable of building something sustainable - and potentially special - if given the time and tools.
For Browns fans, the hire may not have been the splashiest, but it could prove to be one of the most impactful. Monken knows the division, he knows how to build an offense, and now he knows what it’s like to be the man in charge. That’s a combination worth watching closely as the Browns turn the page and look to climb the AFC North ladder.