The Cleveland Browns are on the hunt for a new head coach, and a familiar face is in the mix: Todd Monken. Could this be the key to unlocking the Browns' offensive potential? The team interviewed the Baltimore Ravens' offensive coordinator on Saturday, making him the fifth candidate to be considered for the coveted head coaching position.
But here's where it gets interesting... Monken isn't exactly a stranger to Cleveland. He previously served as the Browns' offensive coordinator back in 2019. He's vying for the job alongside other strong contenders: Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz (who interviewed on Thursday), plus Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher and Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde (both interviewed on Friday).
Monken, a seasoned coach at 59 years old, has been leading the Ravens' offense since 2023. And the results speak for themselves. During his first two seasons, he transformed the Ravens into an offensive juggernaut. The team ranked first in the NFL in several key categories, including red zone touchdown percentage (a staggering 67.9%), rushing yards per game (172.1), and passer rating (an impressive 110.8). They were also a close second in points per game (28.4), yards per play (6.3), and total yards per game (397.6). Even in the 2025 season, the Ravens continued their strong rushing attack, finishing second in the league with 156.6 rushing yards per game and 11th in the league, averaging 24.9 points per game.
And this is the part most people miss... His previous stint with the Browns in 2019, while short, did showcase some bright spots. During that year, running back Nick Chubb exploded onto the scene, racking up the league's second-most rushing yards (1,494) and eight touchdowns. Quarterback Baker Mayfield also enjoyed his best single-season performance, throwing for a career-high 3,827 yards and 22 touchdowns under Monken's guidance. But the Browns struggled overall that season, leading to questions about whether Monken was truly the right fit.
Before his time in Cleveland and Baltimore, Monken orchestrated a high-flying passing attack as the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2016 to 2018. During his tenure, the Buccaneers led the NFL in passing offense, averaging a remarkable 320.3 yards per game. They also finished third in total offense (514.5 yards per game), setting franchise records in both categories. This proves his ability to adapt his system to the strengths of his players.
Monken brings a wealth of experience to the table, boasting 37 seasons of coaching under his belt, including 11 in the NFL. He's spent seven seasons as an NFL offensive coordinator. He also spent four seasons as a wide receivers coach with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Furthermore, he has 26 years of coaching experience at the collegiate level, including serving as the head coach of Southern Miss from 2013 to 2015 and the offensive coordinator at the University of Georgia from 2020 to 2022, where he won two national championships. He started his coaching journey as a graduate assistant at Grand Valley State from 1989 to 1990. Interestingly, he was also a three-year letterman quarterback at Knox College, giving him a unique perspective on the game.
But here's a potential point of contention: Some might argue that Monken's success is heavily reliant on the talent around him. In Baltimore, he had Lamar Jackson, a dynamic quarterback capable of making plays both with his arm and his legs. In Cleveland, the results were more mixed. Can he replicate his success in a different environment, or is he just a product of his circumstances?
Bio Blast:
- Todd Monken – Ravens offensive coordinator
- Age: 59
- Hometown: Wheaton, Illinois
- College: Knox College
- NFL experience: 11 years
Ultimately, the Browns' decision will hinge on who they believe can best lead the team to sustained success. Monken's experience and track record are certainly impressive, but questions remain about his ability to adapt and thrive in different situations. What do you think, Browns fans? Is Todd Monken the right man for the job, or should the team look elsewhere? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
