John Harbaugh’s OC Plans Hit a Roadblock as Todd Monken Heads to Cleveland
What looked like a sure thing for the New York Giants has suddenly gone sideways. Todd Monken - widely expected to become the offensive coordinator under new head coach John Harbaugh - is instead heading to Cleveland, where the Browns have named him their next head coach. It’s a surprising twist in what seemed like a seamless reunion in the making.
Monken and Harbaugh shared a productive three-year stretch in Baltimore from 2023 to 2025, helping orchestrate one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses. That history, combined with the Giants’ need for a seasoned play-caller, made Monken the presumed favorite to take over the offense in East Rutherford. But the Browns had other plans - and they moved quickly to make them a reality.
Let’s be clear: this is a significant pivot point for Harbaugh’s early tenure with the Giants. Monken wasn’t just a familiar face - he was a proven asset.
His work with the Ravens played a major role in Lamar Jackson’s MVP campaign in 2023 and his runner-up finish the following year. Monken’s ability to maximize elite quarterback talent and tailor schemes to player strengths made him one of the most respected minds in the game.
Cleveland clearly recognized that and didn’t hesitate to give him the keys.
For the Giants, this isn’t just a missed hire - it’s a missed opportunity to build on instant chemistry. Harbaugh and Monken had already done the hard part: establishing trust, aligning philosophies, and producing results.
That kind of continuity is rare, especially when a new head coach is trying to install a vision from the ground up. Losing Monken now means Harbaugh has to pivot - and fast.
That said, New York had some warning signs. Monken had a second in-person interview with the Browns about a week before the announcement, so this didn’t come entirely out of left field.
But there’s no question the Giants were holding out hope. And maybe they waited a little too long.
Now, the search continues - and there are still intriguing options on the board.
One name that’s surfaced is Davis Webb, currently Denver’s offensive pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Webb is a former Giant himself, drafted by the team in 2017, and has quickly built a reputation as a rising star in the coaching ranks. His experience working with quarterbacks and his familiarity with the organization make him a compelling candidate, especially for a team trying to develop its next franchise passer.
Another potential target is LSU offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr., whose work with quarterback Jaxson Dart has turned heads. Weis Jr. brings a sharp offensive mind and a strong understanding of modern college concepts - something that could translate well in today’s NFL, especially if the Giants are looking to inject some creativity into their scheme.
No doubt, missing out on Monken stings. He was the ideal fit: experienced, familiar, and successful.
But it’s not the end of the road. Harbaugh has built winning staffs before, and now he’ll have to do it again - just without the comfort of his go-to play-caller.
This is Harbaugh’s first real test in New York, and how he responds will say a lot about the direction this new era of Giants football is headed.