After weeks of interviews, speculation, and shifting expectations, the Cleveland Browns ended their head coaching search with a decision that sent shockwaves through the AFC North. The Browns are hiring Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as their next head coach, bringing him back to Cleveland after his one-season stint as the team’s offensive coordinator in 2019.
Monken is widely respected as one of the top offensive minds in football, but he wasn’t viewed as the obvious choice—especially with Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz sitting right in the building as a popular and proven option. Instead, Cleveland chose offense. Now the Monken era begins with equal parts excitement and immediate pressure.
Browns Pass Over Jim Schwartz Despite Strong Support
For most of the process, Schwartz looked like the natural pick. He led one of the league’s most physical and consistent defenses, and his presence gave Cleveland a clear identity. Players responded to him, the defense played fast and aggressively, and many expected the Browns to reward that success with a promotion.
But Cleveland went in a different direction, and the fallout could be swift. Reports indicate Schwartz is unhappy about being passed over and may prefer the Browns start fresh with a new defensive coordinator. If that happens, it would be a significant loss for a franchise that has leaned heavily on defense to stay competitive.
Schwartz’s departure would create a ripple effect across the roster. Defensive stars like Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward, and Grant Delpit have thrived under his leadership, and losing him could impact more than just play-calling—it could shake the locker room. The Browns didn’t just hire a head coach. They may have ignited their first internal crisis of the offseason.
Why Cleveland Chose Monken: Fix the Offense at All Costs
Cleveland’s decision makes one thing clear: the Browns believe their future depends on elevating the offense from mediocre to playoff-caliber. That has been the franchise’s defining weakness even while the defense has held up its end.
Monken offers a proven offensive track record across multiple levels of football. His recent success in Baltimore helped push the Ravens into the NFL’s upper tier of scoring and efficiency while helping Lamar Jackson thrive in an aggressive and modern system. Monken has also built explosive NFL offenses and helped guide Georgia to national titles as a championship-winning coordinator.
Simply put, Cleveland is banking on Monken’s ability to modernize the offense and maximize the most important position in sports.
Shedeur Sanders and the Deep Ball Fit
One of the most fascinating subplots of Monken’s hire is what it could mean for second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Sanders’ rookie season wasn’t perfect—he held the ball too long, struggled with efficiency, and turnovers became an issue. But he also flashed a key trait that fits Monken’s philosophy: the ability to attack vertically and push the ball deep downfield.
Monken’s offense thrives on chunk plays and forcing defenses to defend every level. If Sanders can speed up his decision-making and improve his timing, Monken could be the right coach to help him take a real step forward.
Cleveland’s quarterback room remains complicated with Deshaun Watson still in the picture, but the hire signals an organizational belief that a true offensive architect is needed to unlock whoever becomes the long-term answer.
Monken’s First Move: Offensive Line Reinforcement
Monken wasted no time making his first staff decision, reportedly bringing George Warhop with him from Baltimore to coach the offensive line. It’s a practical first move that highlights Monken’s belief in experience, toughness, and winning in the trenches—critical traits in the AFC North.
But the biggest question remains on the other side of the ball.
Monken’s First Test Might Not Be a Play Call
The irony is that Cleveland just hired an offensive-minded head coach while risking the loss of the toughest voice already in the building. That’s why Monken’s first true challenge may come before training camp, before Week 1, and before any offensive overhaul fully takes shape: Can Monken convince Jim Schwartz to stay?
If Monken can keep Schwartz in Cleveland, the Browns could pair an elite offense-builder with the defensive leader the locker room already trusts. If Schwartz walks, Monken inherits immediate tension—and must rebuild part of Cleveland’s identity right away.
Either way, the Browns made their choice. And now, the Monken era is officially underway in Cleveland.