Browns to raid rival? Cleveland requests interview with Ravens coach for HC vacancy

Andy McNamara

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Browns to raid rival? Cleveland requests interview with Ravens coach for HC vacancy image

The first Browns head coaching interview to kick off the post Kevin Stefanski era has been officially revealed.

The longtime coordinator is no stranger to the Cleveland sidelines. 

ESPN Cleveland analyst Tony Grossi is not a fan of this idea. Posting about the news on X, "Smh. Freddie Kitchens' offensive coordinator in 2019."

More: Stephen A. Smith unleashed: Why Kevin Stefanski’s coaching 'failed' the Browns

Browns fans would like to forget that season. It was Baker Mayfield's sophomore campaign with sky high expectations. Freddie Kitchens imploded as a 'one and done' head coach, while Monken's offense ranked a disappointing 22nd in both total yards and points scored.

After leaving northeast Ohio after 2019, Monken returned to the college ranks as an OC with Georgia from 2020-2022. He came back to the NFL in 2023 where he joined the Baltimore Ravens, again in that offensive coordinator position.

This is how Monken's offense has ranked in the NFL since being in Baltimore:

 Season Total Yards Scoring (PPG)Rushing 
   2023        6th          4th     1st
   2024        1st          3rd     1st
   2025      16th        11th    2nd

The run game has been a focus of Monken, which is good news for the Browns young running backs, led by Quinshon Judkins.

However, can the veteran coordinator be a successful head coach?

His only stint as a sideline boss was in college from 2013-2015 at Southern Mississippi. Monken was 13-25 over stretch. In the final year he did lead the Golden Eagles to a C-USA West Division title, and won C-USA Coach of the Year.

This will be the first of many head coach interviews for Cleveland as GM Andrew Berry hunts for the Browns next leader.

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Contributing Writer