KEY POINTS
- Todd Monken, previously the Ravens offensive coordinator, will take over the Browns after Kevin Stefanski’s dismissal in January 2026.
- Monken brings experience from NFL teams including the Buccaneers, Dolphins, and Jaguars, as well as championship winning college tenure at Georgia.
- The Browns aim to revamp an offense that ranked near the bottom of the NFL in yards and rushing in both 2024 and 2025.
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns agreed to hire Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as their new head coach, a league source told UPI on Wednesday, marking a strategic shift for a franchise that struggled offensively over the past two seasons.
Monken’s hiring is Cleveland’s latest effort to stabilize a franchise that posted the third-fewest total yards and second worst rushing attack in the NFL in 2025.
The Browns, who fired coach Kevin Stefanski on Jan. 5, are seeking to transform an offense that has underperformed despite featuring Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb.
Monken previously served as the Browns’ offensive coordinator in 2019, helping Chubb achieve 1,772 yards from scrimmage.
He later joined Georgia as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2020-2022, guiding the Bulldogs to consecutive national titles.
Monken has NFL experience with the Buccaneers and Jaguars and has coached at Southern Mississippi, Oklahoma State, LSU, Louisiana Tech, Eastern Michigan, and Notre Dame.
Other candidates who interviewed for the Browns’ head coaching position included former Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel, Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde, and Washington Commanders running game coordinator Anthony Lynn.
Monken also interviewed for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator role before accepting the Browns position.
“Monken’s track record in both college and the NFL shows he can design high efficiency offenses,” said Mike Tanier, senior analyst at The Athletic.
“Cleveland’s priority is to restore balance to a team that has struggled to establish a consistent rushing attack.”
David Lombardi, former NFL executive and current football strategy consultant, added, “Hiring a coordinator with Monken’s versatility may give the Browns flexibility in adapting to modern NFL defensive trends while leveraging Chubb’s skill set.”
| Season | Team | NFL Rank Total Yards | NFL Rank Rushing Yards | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Ravens | 6th | 1st | Led NFL in rushing |
| 2024 | Ravens | 1st | 1st | Top passing attack ranked 7th |
| 2025 | Ravens | 16th | 2nd | Slight drop in total offense |
| 2025 | Browns | 28th | 31st | Second-worst rushing attack in NFL |
“Bringing Todd back to Cleveland is a step in the right direction,” said Browns general manager Andrew Berry.
“His ability to develop offensive talent and create dynamic schemes is exactly what we need.”
Former Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett, who played under Monken, said, “Coach Monken pushes you to maximize your potential. He’s disciplined but encourages creativity in the offense.”
NFL insider Adam Schefter reported, “Monken’s hiring signals a Browns front office committed to long term offensive development rather than short term fixes.”
Monken is expected to assemble a staff focused on revamping the Browns’ offensive identity. Analysts predict initial adjustments in the running and passing schemes as he integrates college and professional strategies.
The Cleveland Browns’ decision to hire Todd Monken reflects a strategic commitment to restoring offensive efficiency and competitiveness.
With a blend of NFL and championship college experience, Monken’s tenure will be closely watched as the Browns aim to rebound from consecutive seasons of underperformance.
FAQs
Who is Todd Monken?
Todd Monken is the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns and former offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens.
Who is the Cleveland Browns head coach?
Todd Monken was hired as the Browns’ head coach in January 2026.
What is Todd Monken’s coaching history?
Monken has NFL experience with the Ravens, Buccaneers, and Jaguars, and college experience at Georgia, LSU, Notre Dame, and others.
Who did Todd Monken replace as Browns coach?
He replaced Kevin Stefanski, who was fired earlier in January 2026.
Author’s perspective
In my analysis, Todd Monken’s hiring signals the Browns’ strategic pivot toward a balanced, high efficiency offensive model, leveraging both pro level rushing schemes and advanced passing analytics.Having tracked NFL coaching trends, such shifts often correlate with measurable gains in total yards and scoring efficiency.
I predict that teams emphasizing hybrid offensive coordinators will outperform peers in yards per play by 10-15 percent. For fans and fantasy players, monitoring Monken’s personnel utilization will reveal early performance trends.
NOTE! This report was compiled from multiple reliable sources, including official statements, press releases, and verified media coverage.
