There were several indications that Todd Monken was in line to become the New York Giants' new offensive coordinator (OC) — until he wasn't. However, the Cleveland Browns' surprising decision to hire him as their head coach has officially thrown a wrench in that plan.
Many expected Monken to follow Giants head coach John Harbaugh to East Rutherford. Their successful three-year overlap with the Baltimore Ravens from 2023 through 2025 made a continued partnership an ideal outcome. Alas, they say all good things must come to an end, and the Browns took that phrase and ran with it.
Missing out on Monken is a massive loss. How Harbaugh navigates his first hiccup as the leader of the New York Football Giants is a storyline worth monitoring.
John Harbaugh's Giants left reeling after losing presumed OC Todd Monken to Browns
It felt as though Monken was out of the running for Cleveland's vacancy, though clearly, that wasn't the case. New York has ostensibly been waiting for him to join its staff. Nevertheless, the Browns are evidently impressed by the strong résumé he's quietly built, which includes a previous stint as the franchise's OC in 2019.
Much to Big Blue Nation's chagrin, Monken is Cleveland-bound following an impressive tenure with the Ravens. He comes as a proven commodity with a track record that speaks for itself. His play-calling efforts contributed to Baltimore superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson earning MVP honors in 2023 and finishing second in the award voting in 2024.
Albeit unfortunate, the Giants shouldn't be blindsided by this move. Monken received a second interview with the Browns roughly a week before being named their next sideline general, and it was in person. So, hopefully, Harbaugh has been bracing for this moment.
Did the Giants pigeonhole themselves with hopes of landing Monken? Maybe they were a little too patient, but that's because he would've been a great addition to their staff. Yet, for what it's worth, there are plenty of other fish in the sea.
New York reportedly requested to speak with Denver Broncos offensive pass game coordinator/quarterbacks coach Davis Webb. He's a former player and rising star who has garnered head coaching interest and was notably drafted by the Giants in 2017. Moreover, LSU OC Charlie Weis Jr.'s connection to signal-caller Jaxson Dart makes for an intriguing potential Monken fallback option.