Key Takeaways
- Todd Monken was hired as the Cleveland Browns’ head coach in January 2025, replacing Kevin Stefanski, who was fired after six seasons despite two playoff appearances and two Coach‑of‑the‑Year awards.
- Both Monken and general manager Andrew Berry are already on a “hot seat”; Fox Sports’ Henry McKenna warns that a disappointing first season could cost them their jobs.
- The Browns struggled to attract top‑tier coaching candidates in the 2026 hiring cycle, largely because of lingering salary‑cap constraints and quarterback uncertainty tied to Deshaun Watson.
- Monken brings a strong résumé: three seasons as Baltimore’s offensive coordinator (helping Lamar Jackson win MVP in 2023), back‑to‑back national championships at Georgia, and a prior stint as Cleveland’s offensive coordinator under Freddie Kitchens in 2019.
- Cleveland’s offense has been a major liability, averaging just 16.4 points and 281.8 total yards per game over the past two seasons (8‑26 record). Monken’s primary task is to revitalize that unit.
- The quarterback picture remains open: Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and rookie Tayen Green are all competing for the starting role, with Monken declining to name a leader after only three days of practice.
- To support whichever QB emerges, the Browns have overhauled the offensive line—adding veterans Elgton Jenkins, Tytus Howard, Zion Johnson and drafting Spencer Fano, Austin Barber and center Parker Brailsford—and added depth at receiver with KC Conception and Denzel Boston to complement Jerry Jeudy.
- Success hinges on Monken’s ability to develop a functional quarterback, maximize the upgraded line, and integrate the new receiving corps; a strong performance could secure his and Berry’s futures, while another poor season would likely trigger further organizational upheaval.
The Cleveland Browns entered the 2025 offseason with a clear sense of urgency. After six seasons under Kevin Stefanski—who delivered two playoff berths and earned Coach‑of‑the‑Year honors twice—the franchise decided to part ways, seeking a fresh voice to lift an offense that has languished near the bottom of the league. In January, the Browns turned to Todd Monken, a relatively untested head‑coach candidate but a coordinator with a proven track record of developing elite quarterbacks and orchestrating high‑powered attacks.
Monken’s résumé reads like a Blueprint for success. He spent the last three seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, where his play‑calling helped Lamar Jackson capture the 2023 NFL MVP award. Prior to Baltimore, Monken won back‑to‑back national championships at the University of Georgia, showcasing his ability to build championship‑caliber programs from the ground up. He also has a personal connection to Cleveland, having served as the Browns’ offensive coordinator under Freddie Kitchens in 2019. That familiarity with the organization’s personnel and culture was viewed as a potential advantage, even as many higher‑profile candidates withdrew from the search due to the team’s salary‑cap constraints and the lingering uncertainty surrounding quarterback Deshaun Watson.
Those very constraints help explain why the Browns’ coaching market was thin. General manager Andrew Berry, who orchestrated the Stefanski hiring and subsequent roster moves, found himself in a precarious position: the franchise could not afford a prolonged rebuild or a “tank” season without risking the jobs of both Berry and his new head coach. Fox Sports NFL reporter Henry McKenna summed up the sentiment, warning that if Monken’s inaugural campaign fails to meet expectations, both men could be on the chopping block. The pressure is amplified by the fact that Monken has not yet coached a single down in Cleveland; the organization is essentially betting on his offensive acumen to reverse a two‑year slide that saw the Browns average only 16.4 points and 281.8 total yards per game while posting an 8‑26 record.
At the heart of Monken’s challenge is the quarterback situation. The roster entering the offseason includes Watson, the high‑priced former Texans star whose contract and off‑field issues have been a perennial headache; Shedeur Sanders, a highly‑touted prospect with pedigree; Dillon Gabriel, a former UCF standout looking for a NFL opportunity; and rookie Tayen Green, a developmental project added in the 2025 draft. Monken has deliberately kept the competition open, stating after just three days of practice that he cannot yet identify a leader. Whatever quarterback ultimately emerges will inherit a significantly improved supporting cast.
Recognizing that a competent quarterback needs protection and weapons, Berry’s offseason moves have focused on fortifying the offensive line and adding depth at receiver. The Browns landed veteran interior linemen Elgton Jenkins (formerly of the Green Bay Packers), Tytus Howard (Houston Texans) and Zion Johnson (Los Angeles Chargers), and complemented them with draft selections Spencer Fano, Austin Barber and center Parker Brailsford. On the perimeter, the team added KC Conception and Denzel Boston to pair with the established Jerry Jeudy, aiming to give the quarterback a versatile array of targets capable of stretching the field and creating mismatches.
If Monken can harness these upgrades—instilling a cohesive blocking scheme, fostering quarterback development, and maximizing the receiving corps—the Browns have a realistic chance to climb out of their offensive malaise. A productive season would not only validate the Monken‑Berry partnership but also position Cleveland to capitalize on a promising 2027 draft class that is expected to be quarterback‑rich, potentially allowing the franchise to attract a big‑name coordinator or head coach in the future. Conversely, another lackluster year would likely trigger a swift reevaluation, placing both the head coach and general manager back on the hot seat and possibly restarting the coaching carousel yet again. The coming months will therefore be a critical proving ground for Todd Monken’s first tenure as an NFL head coach.