The Cleveland Browns are the latest NFL franchise to appoint a new head coach. This decision follows the team’s dismissal of Kevin Stefanski after six seasons, during which he compiled a 45-56 record while leading the Browns to two playoff appearances.
The Browns conducted interviews with multiple candidates for the head coach position, ultimately selecting Todd Monken, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. Monken has extensive experience in both the NFL and college football. He was the offensive coordinator in Cleveland in 2019 before moving on to the Georgia Bulldogs, where he held the same position from 2020 to 2022, winning two national championships during his tenure.
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He served as the offensive coordinator in Baltimore from 2023 to 2025. In his first season in that role, he helped Lamar Jackson win another MVP award. Although he has experienced some success, his hiring did not please everyone in Cleveland.
Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim SchwartzJeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
(Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Tom Pelissero of The Insiders reported that the Browns informed defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz on Wednesday morning that they were passing on him to hire Todd Monken as head coach. Schwartz was visibly upset by this decision and said his goodbyes to others in the building, indicating to fellow coaches that he would not be returning. Although Schwartz is under contract and the Browns want to retain him, his future with the team is now uncertain.
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While Monken brings a proven offensive résumé to Cleveland, the aftermath of the decision could significantly impact the Browns’ defensive identity. Schwartz has been a stabilizing force on that side of the ball, and his emotional reaction to being passed over suggests his tenure in Cleveland may be nearing an end.
That potential departure would not be insignificant. Under Schwartz’s leadership, the Browns fielded one of the league’s most aggressive and effective defenses, and he played a key role in Myles Garrett’s historic season, which culminated in Garrett breaking the NFL sack record. Schwartz’s scheme consistently put Garrett in a position to dominate, reinforcing his status as one of the NFL’s elite pass rushers.
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If Schwartz ultimately leaves, Cleveland won’t just be replacing a coordinator; it would be losing a foundational piece of its defensive success. As Monken begins shaping the Browns in his vision, how the organization handles this situation could define whether the transition brings balance or creates an unexpected step backward.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.