Todd Monken: The Diamond in the Rough that can Shine Through in 2026
Introduction: Plan Z
The Browns just officially introduced Todd Monken as their new Head Coach, and man, what a wild ride to get here. Throughout this entire cycle, Cleveland’s front office was doing the absolute most. We’re talking about a "data-driven" process that had grown men writing essays and taking personality tests just to prove they could coach football. It felt childish, and honestly, just plain stupid.
Because of those hoops, we watched legit candidates like Mike McDaniel and Jesse Minter basically say "thanks but no thanks" and pull out of the race. Cleveland overplayed their hand and ended up being one of the last teams to actually hire someone.
They basically stumbled into Monken—he was clearly like Plan G or even Plan Z on their whiteboard. But honestly? After watching that first presser and looking at what he’s actually done in the league and at Georgia, Plan Z might be the diamond in the rough this team needs to finally turn this thing around.
Section II: Let Todd Cook
It may not feel like it right now, but I believe Cleveland actually has a firm base to start with. The roster isn't empty; it just needs a serious push on the offensive side of the ball. With some promising free agents hitting the market and a few veteran coaches looking for their next move, Todd Monken has the chance to make some key hires and get this ball rolling. Just look at what New England did with a new regime in just one year—it’s possible.
But for this to work, GM Andrew Berry—who has a solid track record—needs to take a step back and let Monken’s vision play out. When I first heard the hire, I immediately thought it was a move to ensure Shedeur Sanders is "the guy." But after hearing Monken’s presser, I’m leaning a different way. I think the real answer is in free agency.
The man is Malik Willis.
I’ve always been a fan of Malik, and I’m a sucker for a redemption story, as we saw with Sam Darnold. If Malik joins Cleveland, he is already the best QB on the roster, period. But he also leaves room for a true competition. This guy is battle-tested. He’s had hurdles at every level—leaving Auburn for Liberty to resurrect his career, then bouncing from Tennessee to Green Bay and keeping the wheels steady while Jordan Love was down. He’s shown he can shine through competition and keep his head up. He’s the kind of guy who can help turn a franchise around.
And it doesn't stop at QB. Jeff Stoutland just got released from Philly, and the "Football Meta" move here is obvious: bring him over to coach up this struggling offensive line. Having Stoutland assist as a run game coordinator would be a massive plus for Cleveland and a legendary loss for Philly.
With guys like Sean McDermott (who just got let go by Buffalo) and even Doug Pederson still out there and available for the right staff, Monken has the chance to build a "Super-Staff." If Berry lets him cook, Cleveland might finally stop writing essays and start winning games.
Section III: Why Not Cleveland?
Going into the 2026 off-season, three out of the four teams in the AFC North have hired a new head coach. Think about that. Two of those coaches—John Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin—were there for nearly two decades. When you lose that kind of longevity, it leaves a massive amount of uncertainty, and in the NFL meta, uncertainty leads to new opportunities.
So, why not the Browns?
For years, we’ve seen this division dominated by two teams: the Ravens and the Steelers. But look at them now. The Ravens are starting over with a rookie head coach in Jesse Minter. Then you look at the Steelers, who hired Mike McCarthy but still have a huge question mark at QB and a lackluster, below-average offense.
On top of that, their Pro Bowl guard, Isaac Seumalo, is hitting the market. He’s been the steady hand on that line for three years, and with him likely gone, that’s just another hole that needs a patch on a team already struggling to find its identity.
If Cleveland can keep that defense playing at an elite level and Monken can build even a competent, middle-of-the-pack offense with a guy like Malik Willis, then... Why not Cleveland? The division is wide open for the first time in twenty years. While everyone else is busy learning a new playbook and trying to find a QB, the Browns could be the ones to sneak in and take the crown.
Conclusion: My Prediction
To keep it plain, I'm taking Cleveland to win the division with an 11-6 record.
But, keep this in mind: I don't think it's going to be perfect or even "alright" the entire season. There are definitely going to be some growing pains. This offense lacks identity, and quite frankly, it’s in need of some soul. I believe they’ll have a great draft (those two first-rounders are key), a great training camp, and some solid veteran free-agent pieces—especially on that offensive line.
They will name Malik Willis as their guy by the last preseason game, or even sooner, for that matter. But eventually, reality will hit them after a solid 2-1 preseason. I’m sure there will be drama, and some Shedeur fans will be clamoring for him to start, especially after his Pro Bowl appearance.
Then things will settle for Malik and this offense, and they will make a legit run, pushing for the playoffs. I’ll even go as far as to predict that Cleveland wins a playoff game. While this may seem like a stretch or just silly talk, I’m fine with being wrong if it means I can swing big and hit a home run on this.
With the massive shift of teams we’ve seen so far this year and the uncertainty in the North... Why not Cleveland?
