After a tough 2025 season that ended in disappointment, the Cleveland Browns made a major move by parting ways with head coach Kevin Stefanski. Stefanski didn’t stay unemployed for long-he’s already landed on his feet as the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. That leaves the Browns searching for their next leader, and the front office is clearly casting a wide net.
One name that’s drawn serious attention is Jim Schwartz, the team’s current defensive coordinator. Schwartz took over the Browns' defense in 2023 and has turned that unit into one of the league’s most dominant forces.
In 2025, Cleveland’s defense was among the NFL’s elite-fast, physical, and disciplined. It’s no surprise, then, that Schwartz has already been scheduled for not one, but two interviews for the head coaching job.
But there’s another intriguing name in the mix: Todd Monken.
Monken has served as the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens since 2023. While his time in Baltimore is likely done following the firing of head coach John Harbaugh, Monken’s résumé speaks for itself. He helped orchestrate Lamar Jackson’s 2023 MVP season, showcasing his ability to build a scheme around a quarterback’s strengths-even if the working relationship wasn’t always picture-perfect.
Now, with Harbaugh reportedly eyeing Monken for a role in New York, the question is whether Monken will hold out for a head coaching opportunity instead. Cleveland might just be the right fit.
Monken isn’t new to the Browns. He was the team’s offensive coordinator back in 2019, so there’s familiarity on both sides.
He also brings extensive experience as an NFL and collegiate play-caller, which gives him a versatile offensive mind-something the Browns desperately need. Cleveland’s offense has struggled to find consistency, and Monken’s track record suggests he could bring a much-needed spark.
The Browns have reportedly requested a second interview with Monken, signaling real interest. And if he were to land the job, retaining Schwartz as defensive coordinator could be the ideal scenario-a pairing of one of the league’s top defensive minds with a proven offensive architect. That kind of balance could be exactly what Cleveland needs to finally turn the corner.
Monken has never been a head coach in the NFL, but he’s led programs at the college level and understands what it takes to run a team. He also knows the AFC North well, having game-planned against the Browns twice a year with Baltimore. That familiarity, along with his offensive acumen, makes him a compelling candidate.
And then there’s the quarterback situation. With Shedeur Sanders in the fold, Monken could have the opportunity to mold a young, talented passer in his image. It’s not hard to imagine Monken designing an offense that plays to Sanders’ strengths-something the Browns haven’t consistently done with their signal-callers in recent years.
No, Monken might not be the flashiest hire. But Cleveland doesn’t need flash right now-they need function.
They need someone who can elevate the offense to even a league-average level. With the defense already operating at a championship-caliber clip, an improved offense could be all it takes to push the Browns into playoff contention.
The pieces are there. The question now is whether Cleveland will make the right call to put them all together.