The Cleveland Browns may not have landed their current head coach if things had unfolded just a little differently behind the scenes.
A new report suggests that Todd Monken was very close to taking a different path before ultimately agreeing to become the Browns’ head coach.
According to Gary Myers, Monken had serious intentions of joining the New York Giants as their offensive coordinator.
“Todd Monken told me he was definitely coming to Giants as OC and was already studying Jaxson Dart tape and was excited about working with him and continuing to work with John Harbaugh when he got the Browns HC job,” Myers said.
Todd Monken told me he was definitely coming to @Giants as OC and was already studying Jaxson Dart tape and was excited about working with him and continuing to work with John Harbaugh when he got the @Browns HC job. He was @Ravens OC last 3 yrs. He also said if terms were not…
— Gary Myers (@GaryMyersNY) April 1, 2026
At the time, Monken had just wrapped up a successful three-year run as the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive coordinator, where he helped oversee one of the league’s more dynamic offenses. His work there made him a sought-after candidate, and the Giants’ opportunity appeared to be a natural next step.
Instead, Cleveland was able to finalize terms and secure Monken as their head coach. The organization clearly valued his ability to develop players and modernize the offense, which has been a major point of emphasis heading into 2026.
Meanwhile, the move forced the Giants to pivot. With Monken no longer an option, John Harbaugh and the Ravens hired Matt Nagy.
The Browns are moving forward with a coach they believe can reshape the offense and help elevate the roster.
And knowing how close they came to losing him, that hire may feel even more significant.
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