After Todd Monken embraced Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Andrew Berry, he stood behind the podium to begin his introductory press conference as the new head coach of the Browns.
"Wow," Monken said. "I am excited to lead this flagship NFL franchise. It's been a long time coming. It really has been a long journey. […] I'm jacked. I'm excited to be with the Cleveland Browns, I mean it's hard to even put into words."
Monken had always held on to the dream of being a head coach. He was around the game of football throughout his childhood, as his father and uncles were all high school football coaches. He said he dressed up most Halloweens as a football player during his youth and received numerous football games as gifts. That exposure to the game developed a deep love for the sport, the desire to be a part of a team and a dream to coach.
Monken went on to play quarterback at Knox College before he began his own coaching career. Over the course of his 37-year coaching career, Monken has 26 years at the collegiate level and 11 years in the NFL.
As Monken reflected on the fulfilling a dream of his, he also recognized that his stops as an offensive coordinator gave him opportunities to coach certain players and work alongside coaches to prepare for this role. He also highlighted the scarcity of these high-level coaching jobs, both at the collegiate level and professional, and the role they each played in ultimately becoming an NFL head coach for the first time in his career.
"To me, it's not until you get into the NFL that you ever process the opportunity could potentially be there, to be a head coach in the NFL," Monken said. "Obviously, you have to probably reach the coordinator level to where that becomes a possibility. And there have been times before where I've been close. And I believe God puts you at the right place at the right time, and that is now."
Monken has been a part of turning programs around. When he became the head coach at Southern Miss in 2013, the program had finished 0-12 the previous season. By the end of his third campaign in 2015, the Golden Eagles had posted a 9-5 record, won the Conference USA West division and earned an appearance in the Heart of Dallas Bowl. He knows a similar level of perseverance and mental toughness will be required to help turn an NFL franchise around.
After winning just eight games in the last two seasons, and the outlook on the roster with young players on the defensive side of the ball and turnover on the offensive side of the ball, the Browns are in a unique phase as a team.
"That's what was fun about the thoughts of being the head coach here," Monken said. "If you like a challenge, let's go. Let's get this to where we're the standard. And the time is now; the timing is now."
Now, Monken will continue the process of building his coaching staff before he dives into the identity of the team. Monken said there is not a timeline on when the staff will be decided, rather taking the approach of finding the best people for each position.
On the offensive side of the ball, Monken wants their system to be one that allows the Browns to score any way possible, utilizing the strengths of the players to their advantage. Monken said he will call plays for the offense – a role he also held while he was the offensive coordinator for the Ravens.
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.
However, Monken, who has three years of experience facing the Browns' defense twice a year, said he does not plan to change the defensive scheme. With a defense that features DE Myles Garrett, CB Denzel Ward, CB Tyson Campell, S Grant Delpit and LB Carson Schwesinger – all players Monken tailored the Ravens' offense to combat – he wants to continue utilizing the strengths of a defense that allowed the third-fewest passing yards per game and fourth-fewest total yards per game in 2025.
"We're built for the system that they're in currently," Monken said. "We're going to keep the same system. We're still going to let them attack. We're still going to let them play free. I can't see any other way. They're a big reason why I took this job, the defensive players."
When players are back in the building for the beginning of offseason workouts, and into training camp and the regular season, Monken plans to create a culture built on the foundation of accountability. He said by learning their personal dreams and aspirations for their career, as well as the keeping in mind the collective goals of the team, that allows him to hold players to their goals. Monken said he had people in his life, including his late parents, who did the same for him. By imploring that same approach, Monken believes he can inspire his players and held them accountable to achieve those individual and collective goals.
Monken knows the task ahead of him – to help lead the Browns to success in the next chapter of the franchise – and keeps an ideology front of mind.
"There's something that I've always lived by as a position coach, as a coordinator and I will as a head coach," Monken said. "Dee and Jimmy (Haslam), they cut a check with my name on it. And you know what they expect? A frickin' kick-ass football team. That's what they expect. And you know what they want? They want to become a winning franchise that our fan base and our region is proud of. That's all they've been about. It's how you build a winning franchise that consistently competes for championships. And you know what, my job is to prove it every single day, and I appreciate that."
