The Baltimore Ravens are in the midst of a coaching carousel. After firing John Harbaugh and hiring Jesse Minter, many members of the 2025 coaching staff are on their way out. Harbaugh is taking many of his guys to the New York Giants, while Minter is beginning to build his own staff.
On Wednesday, another key member of Baltimore’s team departed for a bigger and better opportunity. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken was hired as the Cleveland Browns' head coach. After three years of calling the Ravens offense, he’ll return to Cleveland, where he was the offensive coordinator in 2019.
While this has been a polarizing hire in the eyes of many, Monken certainly deserved a chance as a head coach. It’ll hurt Baltimore, as the 59-year-old was pivotal to their offense’s success in 2023 and 2024. He played a key part in quarterback Lamar Jackson having MVP-caliber campaigns in those years. If it weren't for injuries slowing the unit down in 2025, Monken likely would’ve put together a stronger case for a head coaching gig this offseason.
This move does have some positives for the Ravens. Following the official announcement of Monken’s hiring, it was reported that Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz was upset he wasn't the one offered the job. By the sounds of it, he wants out of Cleveland.
After the Browns informed DC Jim Schwartz this morning they were passing him over to hire Todd Monken as head coach, Schwartz was visibly upset, said goodbyes in the building and told other coaches he’s not coming back, sources tell The Insiders.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 28, 2026
Schwartz is under contract and… pic.twitter.com/GBEct9BRPB
Top NFL defensive mind may leave Ravens’ division
Schwartz is still under contract next season, but his frustrations make it clear he doesn’t want to be there anymore. The Browns want to retain him, but with a new head coach in the building, there’s no guarantee that he’ll be back. Monken could look to bring on his own defensive coordinator.
This couldn’t be a bigger break for the Ravens. Under Schwartz, Cleveland has had some of the best defenses in the NFL. In 2023, they had the best defense, leading the league in yards allowed per game. 2024 was a step back, but they were right back to their dominant selves in 2025, finishing fourth in yards allowed per game.
Schwartz also has a knack for dialing up pressure and bringing down opposing quarterbacks in the backfield. That caused significant issues for Baltimore’s offensive line in 2025, and if Schwartz does leave, Lamar Jackson will be extremely thankful to see him go.
It’s not set in stone yet, but the Ravens may have dodged a major bullet with the Schwartz situation.