As Michigan continues its search for a new head coach, one name quietly gaining traction is Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken. He wasn’t one of the early names floated when the Wolverines' job opened up, but a recent report indicates Monken is being vetted by the program - and there are some compelling reasons why he might be a fit in Ann Arbor.
Monken’s coaching journey spans decades and multiple levels of football, from small college programs to the NFL. While his name may not carry the immediate flash of some other candidates, his résumé speaks volumes - especially for a Michigan program looking to sustain its national relevance and offensive identity.
Let’s start with his roots. Monken’s coaching career began in the Midwest, with his first job as a graduate assistant at Grand Valley State in 1989.
That was followed by a stint at Notre Dame and then a longer run at Eastern Michigan, where he wore multiple hats from 1993 to 1999. That kind of familiarity with the region - and its recruiting landscape - is a subtle but valuable asset.
From there, Monken carved out a path through both college and NFL sidelines, building a reputation as a sharp offensive mind. His first head coaching opportunity came at Southern Miss in 2013, where he inherited a program fresh off a winless season.
While his overall record (13-25) doesn’t jump off the page, the turnaround was real - capped by a 9-5 campaign in 2015 that earned him Conference USA Coach of the Year honors. That season, Southern Miss won its division and returned to a bowl game for the first time in four years.
After Southern Miss, Monken returned to offensive coordinator duties, including stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cleveland Browns. But it was at Georgia where his stock really rose again.
As OC for the Bulldogs, Monken played a key role in their national title runs in 2021 and 2022. He helped mold Stetson Bennett - a former walk-on - into a national championship-winning quarterback, and developed weapons like Brock Bowers and Ladd McConkey into NFL-caliber playmakers.
Now with the Ravens, Monken has overseen one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses. Baltimore has been particularly dominant on the ground, and Monken’s system has helped Lamar Jackson thrive - culminating in an MVP season in 2023. That’s not just a feather in his cap; it’s a sign that Monken knows how to tailor an offense to the strengths of his personnel, whether that’s a dual-threat quarterback or a balanced, power-run attack.
That adaptability could serve Michigan well. The Wolverines have been solid but unspectacular offensively over the past two seasons.
Monken could provide a much-needed jolt, especially with young talent like Bryce Underwood and Andrew Marsh waiting in the wings. His track record developing quarterbacks and maximizing offensive potential is hard to ignore.
The run game, a Michigan staple, would also be in good hands. With a strong offensive line already in place and a stable of backs that includes Jordan Marshall, Savion Hiter, and potentially Justice Haynes, Monken would have the tools to build a physical, efficient ground attack - something he’s done at nearly every stop.
Beyond the X’s and O’s, Monken brings a wealth of experience from winning programs. He’s worked under coaches like John Harbaugh and Kirby Smart, and has seen firsthand what it takes to build and sustain success at the highest levels. While his head coaching résumé may not be overflowing with accolades, the years since Southern Miss have likely given him a deeper understanding of how to lead a program - and how to surround himself with the right people.
That last point matters. With his extensive background in both college and pro football, Monken has built a deep network. That could be key in assembling a top-tier staff - something Michigan can support financially, but not every candidate can deliver on.
So while Monken might not be the headline-grabbing name fans were expecting, he brings a proven offensive mind, championship experience, and a track record of player development. For a Michigan program looking to stay on the national stage and evolve its identity post-Harbaugh, Todd Monken is a name worth watching.