Breaking: Cleveland Browns Hire Todd Monken as Head Coach—What the Blockbuster Move Means for 2026 Super Bowl Hopes

CLEVELAND — In a move that instantly reshapes the AFC North coaching landscape, the Cleveland Browns have hired Todd Monken as their next head coach, ending a three-week search that captivated fans and NFL insiders alike. Why the Browns chose Monken • Proven offensive innovator: As Baltimore’s offensive coordinator (2023-25), Monken engineered a dual-threat attack that helped Lamar Jackson collect an MVP award and pushed the Ravens to two straight division titles. Last season Baltimore ranked second in rushing (156.6 ypg) and averaged 24.9 points per game. • Quarterback whisperer: Monken’s résumé spans Jameis Winston’s 4,000-yard campaign in Tampa, Baker Mayfield’s career-best yardage season in Cleveland (2019), and Jackson’s historic 4,000-pass/900-rush yard combo season in 2024. • Familiarity with Berea: He spent 2019 as Browns OC, giving him institutional knowledge and relationships inside the building. What Monken inherits 1. A top-five defense led by Myles Garrett and Jim Schwartz. 2. A quarterback room headlined by Deshaun Watson (returning from Achilles surgery) and 2025 draft picks Dillon Gabriel and Pro Bowler Shedeur Sanders. 3. High expectations from owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam, who have cycled through six head coaches since 2012. Front-office reaction General manager Andrew Berry called Monken “the right leader and partner for where our roster is today,” stressing that quarterback plans will be finalized “with heavy input from the new head coach.” Monken’s offensive blueprint • Heavy use of motion and spread-to-run concepts that stress linebackers. • Vertical shot plays off play-action, something Browns fans clamored for during Kevin Stefanski’s tenure. • Multiple tight end sets—a natural fit with Pro Bowler David Njoku and Harrison Bryant on the roster. Expect Monken to adapt these principles to Watson’s skill set while maintaining the downhill run identity anchored by Nick Chubb, who is expected back from knee surgery in training camp. Key stats that tell the story • 424.9 yards per game — Ravens’ NFL-leading offense in 2024 under Monken. • 74.2% red-zone TD rate — best in league during that same season. • 1,494 rushing yards — Nick Chubb’s total in 2019 with Monken calling plays, still a career high. What’s next on the Browns’ checklist 1. Assemble coaching staff: Eyes are on whether Monken brings Ravens assistants or taps college protégés from his Georgia days. 2. Free-agency prep: Cleveland must reinforce the offensive line and add a vertical wideout to complement Amari Cooper. 3. Quarterback health watch: Watson’s rehab timeline and Sanders’ development will shape preseason reps. League-wide ripple effect Monken’s departure leaves Baltimore searching for its fourth OC in seven seasons, while the New York Giants—long rumored to pair John Harbaugh with Monken—must pivot to alternative offensive coordinator candidates. Bottom line By banking on Todd Monken, the Browns are betting that an aggressive, imaginative offense can elevate a playoff-ready roster and finally deliver sustained success on the shores of Lake Erie. If his track record with quarterbacks translates, Cleveland may have landed the offensive mastermind it has sought since the franchise returned in 1999.