Shedeur Sanders in trouble as Browns interview Ravens coach with Lamar Jackson chemistry issues

The Cleveland Browns aren’t looking too far away from the AFC North as they continue their search for a new head coach.

Following the firing of Kevin Stefanski after six seasons at the helm, the Browns have announced that they have interviewed Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken for the opening.

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Monken has been the OC in Baltimore for the past three seasons, and is expected to depart the team following the firing of long-time head coach John Harbaugh on Tuesday.

In 2024, the Ravens were the NFL‘s top-ranked offense and made history by becoming the first team to record at least 4,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards in the same season.

This was largely in part due to the star-studded and explosive backfield of quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry.

Amid an injury-laden season for the two-time league MVP, the Ravens could rank only 11th in scoring, averaging 24.9 points per game, though they ranked second overall in rushing yards per game (156.6 yards).

Of course, Monken has some familiarity with the Browns, having assumed OC responsibilities with the team when Freddie Kitchens was running point, before he went to college football and joined the Georgia Bulldogs as OC, winning back-to-back national titles in 2021 and 2022.

Monken was the fifth candidate interviewed by Cleveland, following that of Browns OC Tommy Rees and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.

Seattle Seahawks DC Aden Durde and Cincinnati Bengals OC Dan Pitcher were also interviewed during the week.

With Monken having been interviewed by the Browns, fans met this announcement with a mixed response.

“Most browns thing ever,” one anguished fan wrote.

“Isn’t he part of the reason Harbaugh was fired?” another questioned.

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Many pointed to an article by ESPN chronicling the days that led up to John Harbaugh’s recent firing.

According to Jeremy Fowler, via The Baltimore Banner, Ravens players expressed discontent with Monken’s playcalling.

Some of the complaints centered on the lack of targets for certain players and the run/pass balance that affected running back Derrick Henry, the source added.

Fowler goes on to write that Jackson and Monken had chemistry issues this past season, with the former’s hard-driving coaching style failing to mesh with Jackson, per one source.

“I didn’t coach Lamar well enough,” Monken said Thursday on the “Ryan Ripken Show.” “I didn’t have as good of a relationship as I could have.”

Monken later added, “Lamar and I, to me, had a good relationship. Could it have been better? Of course. Lamar and I never had an issue.

Fans caught wind of the report and shared their thoughts amid Monken potentially taking Sanders under his wing.

“Sounds like he’s a perfect fit for this team,” joked one fan.

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Browns going against the grain

With seven head coaching vacancies in the NFL, many of the teams on the market are requesting a similar pool of candidates.

The Browns, however, are not following the consensus, which is by design.

According to Browns general manager Andrew Berry, Cleveland are on the hunt for something entirely new as they seek to overhaul the reputation of mediocrity that has overshadowed their history.

“We’ll be looking for something different than maybe some of the other openings have based on, you know, where they are as a team,” Berry said, via ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi.

“And some good coaches will fit us, but they won’t fit the Titans. Some will fit the Giants, and they won’t necessarily fit us. 

“But we’re looking for the right leader and the right partner for our present situation. And I have a lot of confidence that we’ll be able to find that person.”

Despite the recent reports of their fractured relationship, Jackson turned into a perennial MVP candidate under Monken’s watch, so there is some optimism that he could also elevate Shedeur Sanders to a new level, with the son of NFL icon Deion also unafraid to use his legs.

The Browns have also shown interest in former Ravens head coach Harbaugh, but it has been reported that the most sought-after coach comes with a huge list of pre-requisites which owner Jimmy Haslam may not be willing to meet.

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