The Cleveland Browns have wasted no time in their search for a new head coach, and the name at the top of their wish list is a familiar one: Todd Monken. On January 6, 2026, just hours after the Browns parted ways with two-time Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski, the team formally requested an interview with Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, according to multiple reports including Ian Rapoport of NFL Media.
Monken, 59, is no stranger to Cleveland. He served as the Browns’ offensive coordinator in 2019 under then-head coach Freddie Kitchens. That season, however, Monken wasn’t given the reins to call plays, as Kitchens retained those duties. Despite the internal chaos that marked that year, Monken’s offensive unit still managed to shine in key areas. Running back Nick Chubb racked up 1,494 rushing yards—second-most in the NFL—and scored eight touchdowns. Quarterback Baker Mayfield threw for a career-high 3,827 yards and 22 touchdowns, while Odell Beckham Jr. posted his most recent 1,000-yard season. As reported by cleveland.com, Monken was "a bright spot in that dysfunctional season, and did the best he could with chaos all around him."
After his Cleveland stint, Monken took his talents to the college ranks, becoming offensive coordinator at the University of Georgia in 2020. There, he helped guide the Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022. The Bulldogs’ offense, under Monken’s direction, became a juggernaut, ranking in the top 10 nationally in points per game (38.6), yards per play (7.0), and total first downs (341) in 2021. The following year, Georgia led the nation in total net yards (7,517) and total points (616), with quarterback Stetson Bennett emerging as a Heisman Trophy finalist.
Monken’s success in college propelled him back to the NFL, where he was hired as the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive coordinator in 2023. His first two seasons in Baltimore were nothing short of spectacular. The Ravens’ offense ranked first in red zone touchdown percentage (67.9%), rushing yards per game (172.1), and passer rating (110.8), while placing second in points per game (28.4), yards per play (6.3), and total yards per game (397.6) during that span. Quarterback Lamar Jackson thrived under Monken’s tutelage in 2024, setting career highs with 41 touchdown passes, 4,172 passing yards, and a 119.6 quarterback rating, while throwing just four interceptions. The Ravens’ potent ground game and dynamic passing attack made them one of the league’s most feared offenses.
But 2025 brought new challenges. The Ravens stumbled to an 8-9 record, missing the playoffs after rookie kicker Tyler Looper missed a 44-yard game-winning field goal as time expired against the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 4, 2026. The loss not only dashed Baltimore’s postseason hopes but also marked Monken’s first losing season as an NFL offensive coordinator. The offense regressed, finishing 16th in total yards per game (332.2), second in rushing, but just 27th in passing and 11th in points per game. Criticism mounted regarding Monken’s decisions—most notably his reluctance to utilize running back Derrick Henry in critical moments and the lack of production from receivers beyond Pro Bowler Zay Flowers. As noted by ESPN, "the most disheartening discussions center on Monken’s comfort with leaving Derrick Henry on the bench in critical moments, and the lack of production at the wide receiver spot beyond Pro Bowl pass-catcher Zay Flowers."
The disappointing season had far-reaching consequences. On the same day the Browns requested to interview Monken, the Ravens fired longtime head coach John Harbaugh, who had three years left on his contract. Harbaugh’s refusal to part ways with Monken reportedly factored into the decision, according to The Athletic. Harbaugh, who had dominated the Browns with a 27-8 record over nearly two decades, immediately became a hot commodity on the coaching market, fielding calls from seven teams within 45 minutes of his dismissal. While the Browns are said to admire Harbaugh, it remains to be seen if they will pursue him as a candidate for their own vacancy.
Monken’s resume extends beyond Baltimore, Cleveland, and Georgia. He was the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2016-2018, where he called plays for an offense that led the NFL in passing yards per game (320.3) in 2018 and ranked third in overall offense. Prior to that, he coached wide receivers for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2007-2010. Monken also served as head coach at Southern Mississippi from 2013-2015, where he turned a struggling program around, culminating in a 9-5 season with a bowl appearance and earning Conference USA Coach of the Year honors in 2015.
Despite his extensive experience and recent success, Monken has yet to land an NFL head coaching job. He’s been a sought-after candidate for both head coach and offensive coordinator roles over the past two years but has not secured a position—until now, perhaps. With both NFL and college teams expressing interest in Monken this offseason, the Browns’ request could mark the beginning of a new chapter for both the coach and the franchise.
The Browns’ coaching search is far from over. In addition to Monken, they have reportedly requested to interview Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde, whose unit was among the league’s best this season. The organization appears determined to cast a wide net as it seeks to build on recent progress and break through in the competitive AFC North.
For Browns fans, the idea of Monken returning to Cleveland is both intriguing and nostalgic. His brief tenure in 2019 left many wondering what might have been had he been given full control of the offense. Now, with the head coaching role potentially in his grasp, Monken could finally have the chance to "do it his way" and shape the future of a franchise hungry for sustained success.
As the Browns prepare for a pivotal offseason, all eyes will be on Berea to see if Monken’s second act in Cleveland becomes reality. The search for a new leader is just getting started, but one thing is certain: the Browns are aiming high, and their pursuit of Todd Monken signals a commitment to bold, offensive-minded innovation in the seasons ahead.
