Former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken was named the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns. However, veteran defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, passed over for the job, decided to leave the organization. Yet, according to NFL insider Josina Anderson, a novel approach was discussed among NFL executives.
“One league source just told, me in his opinion, the #Browns should do something different: make Todd Monken & Jim Schwartz co-head coaches, to assuage this conundrum.
Monken co-head coach of offense; Schwartz co-head of defense.
Thoughts?”
Monken served as the Ravens offensive coordinator under John Harbaugh from 2023-2025. The offense averaged 27.4 points during his tenure. With his scheme, quarterback Lamar Jackson won the 2023 MVP award, throwing 24 touchdown passes and completing a career-high 67.2% of his passes.
Former Ravens OC Todd Monken’s New HC Job Could be a Team Effort
Monken takes over a Browns team that sported a 45-56 record under Kevin Stefanski, who the team fired. Stefanski took the Atlanta Falcons head coaching position. Meanwhile, it was assumed that Schwartz would be the next in line.
When the organization passed him over for Monken, apparently Schwartz decided to abruptly leave the franchise. Under Schwartz, the Browns enjoyed a top-three pass defense, in regard to yards allowed two of his three seasons on the shores of Lake Erie.
GettyFormer Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz before a September 21, 2025 game.
Can an NFL Team Have Two Head Coaches?
The idea of co-head coaches seems far-fetched, but it does present some roots in reality. In 1985, the Chicago Bears embarked upon arguably one of the greatest seasons from a defense. Head coach Mike Ditka focused on the defense. Centered around running back Walter Payton, the Bears used ball control and the deep throw to move the ball.
Meanwhile, defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan architect of the 46 defense. Ryan’s unit carried the team, allowing just 12 points per game and opposing teams to tally over 100 yards rushing.
GettyFormer Chicago Bears defensive coordimnator Buddy Ryan is carried off the field by his defense after winning Super Bowl 20.
Ravens History Displays Effort to Keep Offense and Defense Separate
Baltimore has displayed a split coaching approach through both of their Super Bowl. For example, when the Ravens defeated the New York Giants in Super Bowl 35, their head coach, Brian Billick, was an offensive-minded leader. He didn’t seem interfere on the defensive side of the ball, allowing Marvin Lewis to run the defense.
Similarly, their Super Bowl 47 victory, Harbaugh, who possesses more of a defensive mindset worked with coordinator Dean Pees while Jim Caldwell and Cam Cameron made the offense worse.
GettyFormer Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron.
In later years, Harbaugh placed faith in his coordinators from Greg Roman to Monken himself. New head coach Jesse Minter, a teacher of defensive football will rely heavily upon an offensive coordinator with sound theory that evolves into practice and scheme.
A Mere Change in Title Remains the Lone Difference
For Monken, his time with the Ravens provided a look into what life in Cleveland could become. Harbaugh solely placed the mantle of responsibility on his shoulders concerning the offense. Granted, that doesn’t mean that Monken or Schwartz will agree to the change in titles. Yet much of the Ravens success, Monken’s professional success featured a hands-off defensive coach.
At the University of Georgia, the team sports two national titles because head coach Kirby Smart did not interject. Basically, the new Brown coach’s success at various level depended on that. What could a switch in titles do for the former Ravens’ coach?
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