Browns bet on Todd Monken to reboot offense, franchise

The intrigue: Monken brings familiarity with the AFC North, having helmed a Ravens offense that earned quarterback Lamar Jackson his second MVP award in 2023.

• Monken also spent one season as Cleveland's offensive coordinator in 2019 when running back Nick Chubb and quarterback Baker Mayfield had solid seasons.

The big picture: Monken was reportedly one of three finalists for the job, along with current defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and Los Angeles Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase.

• The coaching search saw multiple candidates, including former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel and Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, withdraw their names from consideration after interviews.

The other side: Kevin Stefanski, whom the Browns fired earlier this month, was hired as the new Atlanta Falcons head coach.

• Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees opted to join Stefanski in Atlanta.

Between the lines: It's not yet clear if Monken will retain Schwartz as defensive coordinator, which owner Jimmy Haslam has previously said was a priority.

• "Obviously, we'll have a number of discussions about the existing staff, but that'll be the head coach's prerogative," general manager Andrew Berry said during his end-of-the-year press conference.

What's next: Cleveland has 10 total picks, including two first-rounders, in April's NFL Draft.

• The team will spend the offseason evaluating quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who was recently named to the Pro Bowl, and Deshaun Watson, who is recovering from a re-torn Achilles tendon.