The Cleveland Browns have officially named Todd Monken as the 19th head coach in franchise history - and while his hire may not have sparked immediate fireworks across the fanbase, make no mistake: this is a move rooted in substance over splash.
Monken arrives in Cleveland with a résumé that commands respect, especially when you zoom in on his recent work in Baltimore. Over the past three seasons as the Ravens’ offensive coordinator, Monken helped engineer one of the most dynamic and balanced offenses in the league - a unit that consistently kept defenses off-balance with a punishing ground game and a steadily evolving passing attack.
But perhaps his most impressive accomplishment during that stretch? Helping Lamar Jackson take the next step as a passer.
Under Monken’s guidance, Jackson didn’t just rely on his legs to be electric - he sharpened his pocket presence, improved his reads, and became a more complete quarterback. That kind of development doesn’t happen by accident.
It’s the product of a coach who knows how to tailor his system to the strengths of his players.
And now, Monken brings that same adaptability and offensive IQ to a Browns team that’s long been searching for consistency on the sidelines.
Of course, Monken’s familiarity with Jackson adds an intriguing layer to his new role - especially considering the two will now face off twice a year. In a recent interview with Browns reporter Nathan Zegura, Monken couldn’t resist a little friendly fire when asked about his former QB.
“Lamar Jackson texted me and said congratulations,” Monken said with a grin. “I said thanks, ‘I wouldn’t have gotten the job without you. Now we’re gonna blitz your ass on every 3rd down.’”
That’s vintage Monken - sharp, competitive, and not afraid to lean into the rivalry. And while it was clearly said in jest, there’s some truth buried in the humor. If anyone knows how to make Jackson uncomfortable, it’s the guy who helped build him into the MVP-caliber player he is today.
Jackson has been a thorn in the Browns’ side for years, boasting a 10-5 record against Cleveland and a 26-14 mark in AFC North games overall. Slowing him down is never easy - but Monken’s insight into Jackson’s tendencies, decision-making, and rhythm could give the Browns a rare edge in their annual matchups.
Beyond the Ravens connection, Monken brings nearly four decades of coaching experience to the table. He’s worked at just about every level - from college to the pros - and has consistently shown an ability to evolve with the game. Whether it’s dialing up explosive plays or leaning into a grind-it-out ground attack, Monken has proven he can win in multiple ways.
That flexibility will be critical in Cleveland, where the offensive personnel isn’t quite as tailor-made as what he had in Baltimore. The Browns’ offense still needs some retooling, and Monken won’t have a Lamar Jackson-type weapon under center. But what he does have is a chance to mold a system that fits the talent on hand - something he’s done time and again throughout his career.
He’s also bringing in a new wave of assistant coaches, signaling a fresh start for a franchise that’s been stuck in a cycle of short-term fixes. This isn’t just a new head coach - it’s a new offensive identity in the making.
Monken’s first head coaching opportunity comes with plenty of challenges, but it also comes with potential. If he can translate his offensive acumen into a cohesive, productive unit in Cleveland, the Browns might finally have the long-term stability they’ve been chasing for years.
And if nothing else, we already know this - every third down against Baltimore just got a whole lot more interesting.