The Cleveland Browns head coaching search has taken a sharp turn back toward familiar territory. After a quiet Monday night following Nate Scheelhaase's second interview, the buzz around the Rams wunderkind has been replaced by a deafening silence.
Cleveland.com beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot reported on X, "Browns are working thru their head coach decision today, but everyone is still in it: DC Jim Schwartz, Ravens OC Todd Monken, Rams Nate Scheelhaase & Commanders Anthony Lynn. A Monken/Schwartz pairing has been discussed, but Schwartz is DC option w/the others too."
Schwartz appears to be gaining momentum in the absence of a deal for Scheelhaase, and suggests the 35-year old may be out. Whether that is by his own choice, owner Jimmy Haslam cooling on him, or a logistical hold-up.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter officially reignited the Monken flame this morning, posting to X. " While Nate Scheelhaase and Jim Schwartz have been primary focuses of the Browns head coaching search, Todd Monken is a name still square in the mix as well. The team has closely tracked him this entire search. He previously served as the team’s OC in 2019, knows Cleveland well and is a prime candidate."
More: Browns ‘failing’ successfully? Why Jim Schwartz is the best hire afterall
The Veteran Finalists: Tale of the Tape
Jim Schwartz:
Pro: Maintains an elite defense that ranked top-5 in most metrics in 2025; has the full "vouch" of locker room leaders like Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward.
Con: Career head coaching record of 29-51; carries the "defensive-minded" tag in a league obsessed with young offensive gurus.
Todd Monken:
Pro: Proven track record of evolving offenses for dual-threat QBs (Lamar Jackson); familiar with the Berea building from his 2019 offensive coordinator stint.
Con: Rumored to be a lock for the Giants OC job to rejoin John Harbaugh if not hired here; his 2019 Cleveland tenure ended in a staff-wide firing.
The Verdict
While Monken offers a fresh offensive perspective, Schwartz remains the most logical choice. In a locker room that already respects his fiery leadership and player accountability, promoting Schwartz ensures the NFL’s best defense doesn't skip a beat. If the Browns can pair his veteran stability with a top-tier offensive coordinator, they finally secure the winning partnership the front office has been chasing.
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