The era of Todd Monken officially commenced for the Cleveland Browns during his introductory press conference on Tuesday. This marked the beginning of a new approach aimed at addressing the Browns” struggling offense, which has been near the bottom of the league in recent years.
Monken did not categorize his offensive strategy with a specific label but provided a clear directive: the primary goal is to score points. “I don”t care what it takes to score; it”s about scoring points,” Monken stated. He expressed a desire to avoid pigeonholing the offense into a rigid system, instead focusing on maximizing the strengths of the players.
This philosophy comes in response to the Browns” significant scoring challenges. In the 2025 season, the team averaged only 16.4 points per game, ranking them as having the second-worst scoring offense in the league, just above the Las Vegas Raiders. The Browns managed to surpass 17 points in just six of their 17 games and only crossed the 20-point mark three times.
In 2024, the situation was even more dire, as the Browns finished with the lowest scoring average in the league at 15.2 points per game. Addressing this issue is crucial for the franchise as they work towards a revival.
General Manager Andrew Berry noted the team”s perspective on their roster”s current “life cycle,” emphasizing the presence of young, cornerstone players. Yet, he acknowledged the anticipated turnover on the offensive side of the ball over the coming months.
Monken, who confirmed he will take on play-calling duties, has a track record of success with various quarterbacks in diverse offensive systems. His most recent role as offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens contributed to Lamar Jackson winning his second MVP award in 2023, showcasing Monken”s ability to adapt and succeed.
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam highlighted Monken”s leadership qualities, work ethic, and experience as key factors in his hiring. “We were looking for a strong leader who would hold players accountable,” Haslam remarked, noting Monken”s success with quarterbacks of varying skill sets.
With the potential for significant roster changes ahead and limited resources due to a weaker quarterback draft class, Monken”s adaptable approach likely resonated during the coaching search. “Every player in the NFL is elite; they all possess at least one trait that enables them to perform at a high level,” Monken explained. He emphasized the importance of leveraging players” strengths rather than forcing them into unsuitable roles.
For a franchise that has long struggled to find offensive solutions, Monken”s straightforward message is clear: adapt, maximize, and score. As the Browns navigate this period of transformation, the success of the Todd Monken era will not hinge on a specific system but rather on their ability to finally emerge from the depths of the scoring charts.
