Monken brings a heavy offensive background to Cleveland, having spent the last three seasons running Baltimore’s offense. His resume also includes stints as Georgia’s offensive coordinator and a prior NFL spell as the Browns’ offensive coordinator in 2019, with speculation he might have joined the New York Giants in a different role if not for the Browns’ decision.
The decision appears to have been driven by team ownership, with owner Jimmy Haslam reportedly preferring Monken over other candidates such as Los Angeles Rams pass-game coordinator Nathan Scheelhaase and longtime Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. That dynamic has sparked questions about Berry’s ongoing role and influence within the organization.
Schwartz, who has overseen the Browns’ defense for three seasons, has been left in a precarious spot. After being informed that Cleveland would pass over him for Monken, Schwartz reportedly expressed his displeasure and indicated he may not return, though he remains under contract and the team ostensibly hopes to keep him; his future here is now uncertain.
Defensively, Schwartz’s unit has produced strong results, finishing first in yards surrendered in 2023 and ranking among the top defenses last season. The Monken hire signals a shift toward an offense-first philosophy, which could prompt staff adjustments on both sides of the ball as Cleveland moves forward.
Notably, Monken is the oldest first-time NFL head coach in league history when considering interim-stint precedents, at age 59. The hire sets up a new chapter for the Browns as they seek to balance ownership direction, a changing coaching staff, and the ongoing goal of restoring competitiveness in a crowded AFC landscape.
