The Cleveland Browns are once again seeking a revitalization after another season marked by disappointment and ineffective quarterback play. The franchise has reportedly hired former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as their new head coach, a choice that the team hopes will help them overcome years of struggles.
Monken’s task is daunting: the Browns have only managed two winning seasons in the last 18 years, with their last Pro Bowl quarterback being the controversial selection of Shedeur Sanders. Monken has demonstrated his offensive acumen during his three years with the Ravens, where the team consistently ranked among the top 15 in scoring. His previous stint as the Browns’ offensive coordinator lasted just one year, ending when they parted ways with head coach Freddie Kitchens after the 2019 season.
A pivotal focus for Monken will be finding a solution at quarterback. Last season’s strategy to use five different quarterbacks highlighted the instability at the position, with Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett both leaving the roster early. Currently, the Browns have veteran Deshaun Watson alongside second-year players Dillon Gabriel and Sanders. However, neither Gabriel nor Sanders made a strong case for their future roles last season. Watson’s performance has been particularly concerning; since his high-profile trade from the Houston Texans, his output has drastically dropped, tallying just 19 touchdowns against 12 interceptions in 19 games.
The Browns are also handicapped by the financial implications of Watson’s contract, which includes an $80.7 million cap hit for the upcoming season, complicating any decision to part ways with him. Both Gabriel and Sanders were given starting opportunities, but their performances were lackluster, prompting speculation that the team may look to select a quarterback with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Despite the quarterback conundrum, the Browns do possess talent on their roster, particularly on defense. The team finished 14th in points allowed in 2025 thanks to standout performances from Myles Garrett, who set a single-season sack record and is widely regarded as one of the premier defensive players in the league.
While the 2025 season ended on a disappointing note, former head coach Kevin Stefanski had notable accomplishments during his tenure, including leading the team to two playoff appearances and receiving the AP Coach of the Year award twice in six seasons. His departure to the Atlanta Falcons could lead to further scrutiny of the Browns’ decision to move on from him.
As Monken takes the helm in Cleveland, he faces high expectations, particularly in light of recent coaching changes. However, the franchise’s long-suffering fans can remain hopeful that with the right direction, particularly at the quarterback position, the Browns can finally begin to break the cycle of disappointment that has plagued them for decades.