After an extensive selection process involving exhaustive interviews, the Cleveland Browns have finally landed their new head coach-though they always ran the risk of not getting their top choice.

The team signed Todd Monken, even though there was a constant looming threat that the deal might fall through because of his longstanding history with John Harbaugh. It was the new New York Giants head coach himself who revealed that detail.

Harbaugh tried to convince Monken to stay

John Harbaugh didn’t hide the fact that he tried to keep Monken on his staff. He spoke candidly toNJ Advanced Media about his efforts:

“I tried to talk him out of it… that’s my job, right?”

“I really thought he was coming with us, but Cleveland was in there all along,” Harbaugh shared.

“He’d been there before in 2019 as the offensive coordinator, so they knew him and he wanted this opportunity. He got it, and I’m happy for him. I’m really proud of him, but we’ve got to go to work.”

It’s no secret that among Browns fans, Monken was not the favorite candidate for the job. There was constant speculation that he would end up joining the New York Giants to continue working under Harbaugh.

Read More:Shedeur Sanders comes into focus as Todd Monken arrives to lead the Browns

However, Harbaugh’s comments about his former offensive coordinator can actually be seen as encouraging for Cleveland. Todd Monken was a key piece behind Baltimore Ravens offensive dominance in recent years.

Proven offensive success in Baltimore

During his tenure with the Ravens, Monken-led offenses were among the most dominant in the NFL. In the 2024 season, Baltimore finished first in total yards, third in points scored, and first in rushing yards, confirming his immediate impact.

In 2025, the attack took a slight step back due to injuries, but it still remained one of the league’s most productive units: second in rushing yards, 16th in total yards, and 11th in points scored, according to StatMuse.

Now, Todd Monken will attempt to elevate the Cleveland Browns to a new level-and perhaps most importantly, help determine whether Shedeur Sanders can finally emerge as the franchise’s starting quarterback.

If that happens, the young quarterback would have the opportunity to develop under one of the NFL’s most respected offensive minds-an idea that is already generating excitement across the Browns fanbase.