Following the end of the 2025 season, Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Andrew Berry and members of the front office took time to evaluate where the Browns stood as a team.
They had made the difficult decision to move on from former head coach Kevin Stefanski and were beginning their in-depth coaching search process. In order to do so, though, Berry and the Browns assessed the state of the roster. They analyzed the eighth-youngest defense in terms of experience and concluded that they were a complete group at all three levels. On the offensive side of the ball, Berry said they noted how they have cornerstone pieces, but envisioned turnover in the coming months to improve certain offensive positions.
Then as they analyzed their resources, Berry said they have a combination of their draft resources – with 10 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft – as well as level of financial flexibility to aid in future decisions.
With that overall assessment complete, the Browns could move forward in their search for a head coach for this phase of the team. Berry said they defined what they were asking their next head coach to do in this phase of the team's cycle, the characteristics and attributes they sought to allow them to be successful and how they would measure that success.
"The first thing we actually looked at is, we wanted someone who could lead, develop and grow a young team," Berry said in his opening statement on Feb. 3. "Because quite frankly, we're probably going to be, if not the youngest, one of the youngest teams in football in 2026. The second thing that we wanted, certainly in the short term, was a coach – didn't matter the background – that had a very strong and adaptable offensive plan, given the amount of turnover we're going to have on that side of the ball, both in terms of personnel, scheme, you name it."
Berry said they also were looking for a person with four key attributes: global intelligence, CEO leadership, a demonstrated track record of innovation and the characteristics of collaboration.
Global intelligence centered around cognitive ability, IQ, EQ and football acumen. CEO leadership focused on the person's ability to operate in the big picture, as well as the tactical and ground level. And the capacity to collaborate played an important role due to the head coach position involved in multiple areas of football operations.
"When we look at the head coaching position, it's a lot like if you were in the business world and you're hiring a CEO or COO," Berry said. "This is a position that across the league you may spend, call it $50 to $100 million on the hire, plus another $75 million on their staff, plus the impact that they have on the organization. And there has to be a level of thoughtfulness when you're going through that hiring process. So, the way that we looked at it is like, okay, generally speaking, you have a four-week period to make a really a monumental hire for the organization."
Their initial stages of the search began with research, as Bery said they did initial homework on about 50 coaches. They funneled that list to about 23 coaches before deciding on seven external candidates and two internal candidates that they submitted to the league and to teams for interviews.
Throughout their process, Berry said they looked at the performance track records of the candidates and made reference calls to understand what individual candidates were like to work with throughout stops of their careers. They also utilized critical-thinking testing to evaluate those skills in specific areas, work samples and interviews to assess each candidate.
One of those areas they evaluated in the testing questions centered around player development. Berry said they wanted to get a feel for how a candidate would approach specific player archetypes – such as a young quarterback – as well as a young defensive player and a position coach. With the added emphasis on improving the offense this offseason, Berry also said they talked with candidates about their vision or plan for the offense, as well as plans for staffing on all sides of the ball.
After the Browns wrapped up their research and interviews, they assessed the information gathered and officially decided on their next head coach – Todd Monken.
Check out behind-the-scenes photos of Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus
Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken poses for a portrait after his introductory press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken signs his contract after his introductory press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Andrew Berry speaks to the media after Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Andrew Berry speaks to the media after Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken speaks to the media after his introductory press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken speaks to the media after his introductory press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken speaks to the media after his introductory press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken speaks to the media after his introductory press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken poses for a portrait after his introductory press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken speaks to the media after his introductory press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken speaks to the media after his introductory press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken speaks to the media after his introductory press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Andrew Berry speaks to the media after Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken speaks to the media after his introductory press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken speaks to the media after his introductory press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken speaks to the media after his introductory press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Andrew Berry speaks to the media after Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken poses for a portrait after his introductory press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken speaks to the media after his introductory press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken poses for a portrait after his introductory press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Andrew Berry speaks to the media after Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken poses for a portrait after his introductory press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken poses for a portrait after his introductory press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Andrew Berry speaks to the media after Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken poses for a portrait after his introductory press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Andrew Berry speaks to the media after Head Coach Todd Monken's Introductory Press Conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 3, 2026.
"When we did that, Todd stood head and shoulders above the rest," Berry said. "Todd's really, really unique. If you look at his history, his career history, this is a coach who has had high level, innovative, adaptable offenses at both the pro and college level. Doesn't matter the personnel. Didn't matter the quarterbacks. Didn't matter what he inherited. He always found a way to have high level and productive units. It became very apparent in everybody that we talked to about Todd how strong he was working with and developing young players. I think that's one of the beauties of Todd's experience is he does have pro and college experience as a coach, and that transfers in terms of how he leads and grows young players.
"The third, the mentors that he's worked for – most recently, Kirby Smart and John Harbaugh, arguably the best in the business in pro and college," Berry continued. "And the lessons that Todd has learned and applied from those coaches has been outstanding. And then the last thing is he understands the job. I mean, the work that he did at Southern Miss, inheriting a program at its historical nadir, turning it around with few resources shows he has the leadership, the gumption and the resourcefulness to do this job at any level. So, for us, we felt like he fit us like a glove, and we are so excited to have him."
Browns Managing and Principal Partner Jimmy Haslam said he believed the process Berry and the team tasked with hiring the head coach created a disciplined and organized approach to lead their search to Monken.
"I think it was obvious we were looking for a strong leader, someone who would hold the players accountable, someone who was tough, had a great work ethic, and quite frankly, had experience," Haslam said. "And when you combine that with the fact that he's won with the following quarterbacks – Nick Mullens, Jameis Winston, Stetson Bennett IV and Lamar Jackson, all of whom have entirely different skill sets – and he's won running the ball, he's won passing the ball, made Todd a really attractive candidate. So excited to have in the building. I think he's off to a good start, building and rebuilding the staff. And I really, truly believe that good things are ahead."
The Browns officially announced the hire on Jan. 28 and was introduced as the head coach on Feb. 3.
Now, Monken will be tasked with rounding out his coaching staff as the Browns move through the offseason. The organization will continue its prep for free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft, and the coaching staff will build an offensive system with an identity fit for the roster as they prepare for the 2026 season.
"I think it's certainly important to have the identity before September 1," Berry said. "But I think the time leading up to it and as we go through the different personnel avenues and the personnel cycles and things like that, we have time and we'll do it slowly and deliberately and thoughtfully."
