BEREA, Ohio — The Todd Monken era is officially in motion. Less than three weeks after being named the 19th head coach in franchise history, Monken is deep in the trenches of staff building and roster evaluation. While the city still feels the ripples of Seattle’s 29-13 Super Bowl victory over the Patriots last Sunday, the focus in Berea has shifted to a ticking clock. Tomorrow, February 16, marks the void date for Joel Bitonio’s contract, forcing a $23.5 million decision that will dictate the team’s financial flexibility for the rest of the 2026 season.
The Search for Schwartz’s Successor
Replacing a coach like Jim Schwartz isn’t a task for the faint of heart. After being passed over for the head coaching gig, Schwartz resigned on February 6, leaving a massive void on the defensive side of the ball. Monken has been aggressive, reportedly meeting with internal candidates Jason Tarver (linebackers) and Ephraim Banda (safeties) early this week. Both have strong ties to the existing roster, which is critical since Monken has already stated he doesn’t plan to scrap a system that saw Myles Garrett break the single-season sack record last year.
The external market is moving fast. While Texans defensive backs coach Dino Vasso opted to stay in Houston, his colleague Cory Undlin remains a name to watch. Undlin’s history with Monken in Jacksonville provides the kind of shorthand communication a first-year head coach craves. With the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis just days away, expect the Browns to move quickly. They need their “CEO of the Defense” in place before the first 40-yard dash begins.
Bitonio’s “Decision Day” is Here
The heartbeat of the Browns’ offensive line faces a crossroads. Tomorrow’s deadline is simple but brutal: if the Browns don’t reach an agreement with Bitonio, they get hit with a $23.5 million dead cap charge. General Manager Andrew Berry has three paths. An extension could lower that hit to $12.6 million, providing immediate relief. Alternatively, a post-June 1 retirement structure would split the pain over two years. Bitonio has spent 12 years in Cleveland; seeing him in another jersey—or no jersey at all—would signal the definitive end of an era for this offensive line.
Draft Buzz: Sneaky Options and Perfect Fits
With 10 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, Berry and Monken have the ammunition to overhaul a struggling offense. Two names have gained significant steam in the Berea halls:
- Austin Barber (OT, Florida): A 6-foot-6 mountain with a “bouncer at the club” mentality. He’s arguably the most underrated tackle in this class and fits the zone-blocking scheme Monken favors.
- Max Klare (TE, Ohio State): After declaring early, Klare is the “move” tight end Cleveland needs to complement David Njoku. His 43 catches for 448 yards last season at OSU showed he can find the soft spots in any secondary.
“Jim is an outstanding defensive coordinator, but we are moving forward with a clear vision. We aren’t changing the system; we’re built for it. We just need the right leader to command it.”
— Todd Monken, Browns Head Coach
Across the League: Raiders and Jags Make Moves
The AFC coaching carousel isn’t slowing down. In Las Vegas, the Raiders promoted Rob Leonard to defensive coordinator this morning. It’s a move designed to keep superstar Maxx Crosby happy amid trade rumors. Meanwhile, the Jaguars are pivoting with Travis Hunter. After a rookie year cut short by an LCL injury, reports indicate Hunter will shift to a full-time cornerback role in 2026, playing only part-time at wide receiver. It’s a blow to fantasy managers but a massive boost for a Jacksonville secondary that likely loses Greg Newsome in free agency.
The next 48 hours will define the Browns’ 2026 trajectory. Whether it’s a Bitonio extension or a surprise defensive hire, the Sunday silence in Berea is about to get very loud.
