As Cleveland begins its defensive coordinator search, Orange and Brown Talk podcast reveals the high-stakes choice between maintaining Schwartz's elite system or installing Monken's personal vision.
head coach lasted approximately one press conference before he faced his first major leadership test: Who will guide the team’s elite defense following. Does Monken promote from within, maintaining continuity with Schwartz’s successful system? Or does he bring in his own trusted lieutenant, establishing his authority but potentially disrupting what worked? “So if I were him, I would go find the best guy that you can possibly find that is your person, and I would probably do that,” Browns beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot advised.
“Now, there are very qualified guys on the staff. But if I’m the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns, I’m hand picking all of my coordinators now that Jim Schwartz has left the building.” The concept of loyalty looms large in this decision, particularly for a first-time head coach assembling his staff. Host Dan Labbe emphasized this point: “I think that loyalty, the loyalty word is important and especially for a guy like Todd, who again has been in this league forever, has been coaching forever. He’s bringing people on the offensive side that he trusts to help him do this job. And I would imagine on the defensive side, he’s thinking the same thing.” Internal candidates include linebackers coach Jason Tarver, who has NFL defensive coordinator experience, and safeties coach Ephraim Banda, who served as defensive coordinator at the college level. Both are intimately familiar with the system that helped External names like former Browns assistant Cory Undlin have emerged as potential candidates, with connections to Monken from their time together in Jacksonville. The stakes couldn’t be higher — Cleveland’s defense features elite talent at every level, including future Hall of Famer Myles Garrett. Whoever takes over inherits not just a scheme but the responsibility of managing star personalities. As Cabot explained: “You have to take care of Myles Garrett on this defense. You have to give him the exalted status that he’s earned. And the next guy is going to have to learn very quickly that he has to do that.” What makes this situation particularly challenging is Monken’s stated desire to maintain the defensive system that has proven so effective. The new coordinator must balance implementing Monken’s vision while preserving what worked under Schwartz. Browns beat reporter Ashley Bastock framed the decision as a crucial test of organizational alignment: “And I think it’s almost like if you’re going to make that decision and you really like Todd Monken, you have to give him that authority, otherwise, what’s the point?” For Monken, who was hired primarily to transform Cleveland’s offense, his defensive coordinator choice represents his first major opportunity to define his leadership style. Will he prioritize continuity and promote from within? Or will he follow the template of other coaches like Kevin Stefanski, who prioritized bringing in trusted allies? The decision carries extra weight given the Browns’ recent history of coaching turnover. As Cabot noted: “He has an opportunity to have coordinators in place that he really knows, trusts, feels comfortable with, knows that they would be loyal to him.” With the Super Bowl approaching and coaching staffs finalizing across the league, Monken’s first major decision as head coach will soon reveal his blueprint for the Browns’ future.
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