When the news broke that John Harbaugh would be leaving the Baltimore Ravens after 18 seasons to become the new head coach for the New York Giants, many speculated that his longtime assistant, Todd Monken, would be joining him. After all, Monken had been a key part of the Ravens’ success, leading the team to the top-ranked offense in the league in 2024 and setting a franchise record for offensive yards.
However, Monken surprised everyone when he accepted the head coaching job for the Cleveland Browns instead. In a recent interview, Monken revealed that he was actually planning on joining the Giants before the Browns came calling.
“I was definitely going to go to the Giants,” Monken said. “John and I have a great relationship and I was excited about the opportunity to continue working with him. But then the Browns approached me and I couldn’t pass up the chance to lead my own team.”
Monken’s decision to join the Browns may have come as a shock to some, but it’s clear that he sees a lot of potential in the team. The Browns have been struggling for years, but with a talented roster and a new coaching staff, they are poised to turn things around.
Monken brings a wealth of experience and success to the Browns. In addition to his time with the Ravens, he also served as the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles. He has a reputation for developing explosive offenses and getting the most out of his players.
With the Browns, Monken will have plenty of weapons at his disposal. Quarterback Baker Mayfield showed tremendous potential in his rookie season and has the skills to thrive in Monken’s high-powered offense. Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and running back Nick Chubb are also dynamic playmakers who will benefit from Monken’s creative play-calling.
But Monken’s impact won’t just be felt on the field. He is also known for his strong leadership and ability to connect with his players. This will be crucial for a team that has struggled with chemistry and cohesion in the past.
In his first press conference as head coach, Monken expressed his excitement for the opportunity to lead the Browns. “I’m thrilled to be a part of this organization and to work with these players,” he said. “We have a lot of work to do, but I believe we have the talent and the drive to turn this team into a winner.”
Monken’s decision to join the Browns instead of the Giants may have surprised some, but it’s clear that he sees a lot of potential in this team. And with his track record of success and his passion for the game, he is the perfect person to lead the Browns into a new era of success.
Fans of the Browns should be excited about the future under Monken’s leadership. He brings a winning mentality and a proven track record, and he has the tools to turn this team into a contender. And while the Giants may have missed out on Monken, the Browns are the real winners here.
