Browns hire Monken as head coach; DC Schwartz reportedly wants out

The Cleveland Browns hired former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as their head coach, the team announced Wednesday.

The hire upset Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who was also a finalist for the job, sources told NFL Network's "The Insiders." Schwartz reportedly told coaches he doesn't plan on staying with the Browns, although he's under contract.

Monken previously served as the head coach at Southern Miss from 2013-15 in the collegiate ranks but has no NFL head coaching experience.

He has worked with multiple NFL teams as an offensive coordinator, however, including the Browns in 2019. He also served in that capacity for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2016-17 in addition to his Ravens tenure, which spanned from 2023-25.

Cleveland's decision to hire Monken is also likely to affect the New York Giants, as many expected him to join John Harbaugh's staff, reports ESPN's Adam Schefter. Harbaugh brought Monken to the Ravens in 2023.

The Browns fired Kevin Stefanski at the end of the regular season following six years together. Stefanski, whom the Atlanta Falcons hired as their head coach on Jan. 17, produced a 45-56 record and two playoff appearances in Cleveland.