Cleveland Browns Appoint Todd Monken as New Head Coach
CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Browns are set to appoint Todd Monken as their new head coach, according to a source familiar with the situation who requested anonymity since the team has yet to formally announce the decision. Monken previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, where he spent the last three seasons before this anticipated move.
Interview Process and Other Candidates
He first engaged in interviews with the Browns beginning on January 10 and followed up with a second meeting on January 20. Aside from the Browns, Monken had also been considered for the offensive coordinator position with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was linked to a potential role with the New York Giants after John Harbaugh took over as head coach. Other candidates for the Browns’ head coach position included Jim Schwartz, the team’s defensive coordinator, and Nate Scheelhaase, who served as the pass game coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams.
Background on Kevin Stefanski’s Departure
This decision comes on the heels of the Browns terminating Kevin Stefanski’s contract on January 5. Stefanski, who recorded a 46-58 record over six seasons, was a two-time NFL Coach of the Year and led the team to playoff appearances in both 2020 and 2023. Following his departure, Stefanski was appointed as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday. The Browns struggled significantly this past season, finishing with a 5-12 record and accumulating an overall 8-26 across the last two seasons.
Todd Monken’s Coaching History
Monken is no stranger to the Browns, having held the offensive coordinator position under Freddie Kitchens during the 2019 season. Most recently, he spent 2020 to 2022 at the University of Georgia, guiding the Bulldogs’ offense to a national championship victory in both 2021 and 2022. Under his leadership, the Ravens ranked second in the NFL this season for rushing yards per game, averaging 156.6 yards, and maintained an 11th position in scoring with an average of 24.9 points per game.
Notably, in 2024, the Ravens achieved a record milestone by becoming the first team in the NFL to accumulate at least 4,000 yards through the air alongside 3,000 rushing yards in a single season. Monken’s extensive coaching history also includes stints at Jacksonville (2007-2010) and Tampa Bay (2016-2017), and he led Southern Mississippi as their head coach from 2011 to 2013, finishing with a record of 13 wins and 26 losses.
