Browns Turn the Page With Todd Monken Hire as Coaching Change Sparks Tension

The Cleveland Browns entered the 2026 offseason confronting the reality of another lost year. A 5–12 finish capped a season marked by inconsistency, injuries, and unmet expectations, prompting ownership to initiate sweeping changes at the top of the organization.

That process began with the dismissal of head coach Kevin Stefanski shortly after the regular season concluded. Despite Stefanski winning two NFL Coach of the Year awards during his tenure, the Browns opted to move on, citing the need for a new direction after continued offensive struggles.

After a lengthy and closely watched search, Cleveland finalized its decision Wednesday by hiring former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as its next head coach. The move came later than expected and surprised some league observers who believed the organization was leaning toward continuity.

Instead, the Browns chose a fresh voice on offense, a decision that immediately drew attention both inside and outside the building, particularly given how the process unfolded and how it was received by key figures on the roster.

1. A Coaching Search Takes an Unexpected Turn

For much of the offseason, momentum appeared to favor defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz as Stefanski’s successor. Schwartz had stabilized Cleveland’s defense and was viewed internally and externally as a strong candidate to maintain continuity while offering leadership experience. When the Browns ultimately pivoted to Monken, the shift reportedly caught Schwartz off guard. League reports suggested that Schwartz was displeased with the outcome, adding another layer of complexity to an already tense transition period. That tension surfaced publicly when star defensive end Myles Garrett posted a photo to his Instagram story shortly after news of the hire became official. While Garrett did not include a caption, the timing and tone of the post were widely interpreted as a reflection of frustration. The moment underscored how coaching decisions can reverberate beyond front offices. For a veteran-led defense that has carried the team in recent seasons, the uncertainty surrounding leadership appeared to strike a nerve.

2. Defense Remains Cleveland’s Foundation

Cleveland’s recent struggles have not stemmed from the defensive side of the ball. Under Schwartz, the Browns consistently fielded one of the league’s more effective units, excelling in pass rush, coverage, and situational execution. Garrett was the centerpiece of that success, breaking the NFL’s single-season sack record in 2025 and cementing his status as one of the league’s premier defensive players. His production helped anchor a defense that often kept Cleveland competitive despite offensive shortcomings. The Browns have also benefited from high-end talent in the secondary, with Denzel Ward continuing to perform at an elite level when healthy. The group received an additional boost from rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger, whose impact made him one of the team’s most successful draft picks in 2025. That defensive foundation has made the Browns’ offensive struggles even more glaring. Time and again, the defense did enough to win, only to be undermined by an offense unable to sustain drives or protect leads.

3. Monken Faces the Offensive Challenge Ahead

Fixing that imbalance is now Todd Monken’s primary responsibility. Monken arrives in Cleveland after productive seasons in Baltimore, where he helped design an offense that maximized Lamar Jackson’s unique skill set while improving efficiency in the passing game. His résumé includes a track record of adaptability, but the challenge in Cleveland will be significantly different. Unlike in Baltimore, Monken will not inherit a former MVP quarterback capable of masking deficiencies through athleticism and improvisation. Instead, Monken faces a roster still searching for long-term stability at quarterback, compounded by recent injuries along the offensive line and inconsistent production from skill players. The Browns’ inability to establish offensive identity was a central factor in Stefanski’s dismissal. For now, the Monken hire represents both hope and risk. Cleveland is betting that his scheme and leadership can elevate a struggling offense, even as players like Garrett appear weary of another reset in a franchise long defined by upheaval.