AFC North Coaching Carousel: Browns Land Monken, Bengals Add Koetter, Steelers Make Key Staff Moves
The AFC North coaching landscape is shifting, with several notable additions across the division as teams gear up for a pivotal offseason.
Bengals Bring in Davis Koetter to Assist Wide Receivers
The Bengals are continuing to bolster their offensive staff, bringing in Davis Koetter as an assistant wide receivers coach. While not a headline-grabbing hire, Koetter adds depth to the coaching room and joins a Cincinnati offense that’s looking to take another step forward in 2026. With a talented receiving corps already in place, including established stars and promising young talent, Koetter’s role will likely focus on technique refinement and helping develop the next wave of contributors in the Bengals’ passing game.
Browns Lock in Todd Monken as Head Coach After Impressive Interview Process
In Cleveland, the Browns have landed their top target in Todd Monken, who takes over as head coach following what insiders describe as a commanding interview process. According to reports, Monken was the clear-cut No. 1 choice for the Browns’ search committee - a group that included GM Andrew Berry and former Raiders GM Tom Telesco.
Monken edged out strong internal and external candidates, including defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and Rams assistant Nate Scheelhaase - the latter seen by many as a future head coach in waiting. But it was Monken’s offensive pedigree that ultimately separated him from the pack.
Those involved in the hiring process were reportedly blown away by Monken’s interviews, citing his detailed vision for the offense and ability to connect with players and staff. His age - he turns 60 this week - may have kept other teams from making a move, but the Browns saw it differently. They valued experience, and Monken’s track record as a play-caller and offensive architect gave Cleveland confidence he could steer the franchise in the right direction.
Interestingly, Monken had other options. New Giants head coach John Harbaugh reportedly tried to recruit him to New York as his offensive coordinator.
But Monken chose the Browns - and the opportunity to lead a team - over a high-profile coordinator role elsewhere. That decision speaks volumes about how he views the Browns’ roster and long-term potential.
Steelers Add Familiar Faces to McCarthy’s Staff
In Pittsburgh, new head coach Mike McCarthy is putting his stamp on the Steelers’ staff with a couple of key hires. Former Packers strength and conditioning coach Mark Lovat is expected to join the team in the same capacity, reuniting with McCarthy after their long run together in Green Bay. Lovat brings a strong reputation for player development and injury prevention, and his presence should help establish continuity in McCarthy’s approach to player preparation and health.
The Steelers are also bringing in Frank Cignetti Jr. as part of the offensive staff. Cignetti, who most recently served as offensive coordinator at IUP, has deep roots in both the college and pro game. He’ll bring a wealth of experience to a Pittsburgh offense that’s in the midst of transition and looking for identity under a new regime.
Final Word
With Monken stepping into a leadership role in Cleveland, Koetter joining a Bengals team on the rise, and McCarthy assembling a familiar and trusted staff in Pittsburgh, the AFC North is already making waves well before free agency or the draft. Coaching hires may not always dominate headlines the way blockbuster trades or signings do, but these are the moves that shape locker rooms, schemes, and ultimately, win-loss records. Keep an eye on how these additions influence the division race in 2026 - because the groundwork is being laid right now.