The Cleveland Browns’ Coaching Saga: From Jim Schwartz to Todd Monken

The Cleveland Browns’ quest for a new head coach concluded on Wednesday, January 28th, with the hiring of Todd Monken, formerly the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. This decision followed a comprehensive search that involved numerous candidates, including Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, Los Angeles Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, and ultimately, Monken.

A Winding Road to a New Leader

The search began after the firing of Kevin Stefanski on January 5th, quickly gaining significant media attention. The Browns’ decision-makers spent January 27th in Berea meticulously evaluating their options. Here’s a recap of the journey, as documented by the Beacon Journal:

• Early Interest in Monken: Todd Monken was the first external candidate the Browns reached out to, bringing a wealth of experience from his time with the Ravens (2023) and the University of Georgia (2020-22), where he secured two national championships. He also previously served as the Browns’ offensive coordinator in 2019.
• The Harbaugh Factor: Briefly, the possibility of pursuing John Harbaugh, recently fired by the Ravens, surfaced. However, Harbaugh ultimately accepted the head coaching position with the New York Giants.
• International Prospect: Aden Durde, a defensive coordinator with the Seattle Seahawks and born in England, emerged as another potential candidate. Durde is set to coach in the Super Bowl.
• Bengals Connection: The Browns also explored Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher, who has a prior working relationship with General Manager Andrew Berry from their time with the Indianapolis Colts.
• In-House Evaluation: The Browns initially focused on internal candidates, interviewing both Jim Schwartz and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees. Rees later joined Stefanski in Atlanta, while Schwartz remained a strong contender.
• Expanding the Search: The team broadened its search to include Jesse Minter (Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator), Grant Udinski (Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator), and Anthony Lynn (Washington Commanders run game coordinator).

The Final Contenders

As the process narrowed, the focus shifted to a core group of candidates: Jim Schwartz, Nate Scheelhaase, and Todd Monken. Udinski withdrew from consideration after receiving a contract extension with the Jaguars.

The Browns conducted second interviews with Jim Schwartz, Monken, Udinski, Scheelhaase, and Lynn. However, a series of events – including Mike McDaniel accepting a position with the Chargers and Jesse Minter becoming the Ravens’ new head coach – reshaped the landscape.

Monken Takes the Helm

Ultimately, the Browns opted for Todd Monken, recognizing his offensive expertise and proven track record. While Jim Schwartz was a highly regarded candidate, Monken’s experience and vision aligned with the team’s long-term goals. This decision marks a new chapter for the Cleveland Browns, as they look to build a competitive team under Monken’s leadership.

You can find more information about the Browns’ coaching search at Beacon Journal’s Browns Coverage.