🏈 After Losing John Harbaugh, Browns Hurt Giants’ Future Plans With Major Coaching Decision — Report
The Cleveland Browns may have missed out on landing high-profile coach John Harbaugh — who looks likely to become the next head coach of the New York Giants — but their next move could have a big ripple effect on the Giants’ coaching staff plans.
Brother, it’s time to get a job pic.twitter.com/eviufOS1zM
— Ben Axelrod (@BenAxelrod) September 9, 2023
🔥 Harbaugh to the Giants
After an 18-year run with the Baltimore Ravens, where he won a Super Bowl and became one of the most respected head coaches in the NFL, John Harbaugh was fired when the Ravens missed the playoffs in 2025.
Almost immediately, several teams began pursuing him — and the New York Giants emerged as one of the frontrunners. Reports indicate the Giants are finalizing a five-year, up to $100 million contract with Harbaugh, making him one of the league’s highest-paid head coaches if the deal is completed.
This hire would mark a major shift for the struggling Giants, who finished with just four wins (4-13) in 2025 and fired head coach Brian Daboll during the season in hopes of finding the leadership needed to rebuild the franchise.
🔁 Browns Make a Strategic Coaching Move
Though the Browns narrowly missed out on Harbaugh, they recently made a **significant decision that could impact the Giants’ plans: they requested permission to interview offensive coordinator Todd Monken for their own head coaching vacancy.
Here’s why that matters:
📌 Who Is Todd Monken?
Experienced NFL and college coach: Monken has nearly four decades of coaching experience, including leading offenses at both levels and a recent stint as the Ravens’ offensive coordinator.
Familiar with the Browns: He previously worked in Cleveland back in 2019 as the offensive play-caller under Freddie Kitchens — meaning he already knows the building, the culture, and some of the personnel.
📉 What This Means for the Browns
Cleveland’s offense struggled badly in 2025:
31st in points scored (only 16.4 per game)
30th in total offense yards per game
Bringing in Monken gives the Browns a chance to revamp that offense, especially after losing out on Harbaugh and still needing strong leadership to develop a better offensive identity.
😬 How It Hurts Giants’ Staff Plans
Many around the league assumed Monken would join Harbaugh’s staff as the Giants’ offensive coordinator, based on his recent success and a history of collaboration with Harbaugh.
Now, with Cleveland pushing for a second interview — and potentially a head coaching offer — that possibility could slip away from New York.
🚨 If Monken Takes the Browns Job…
The Giants would lose one of their top coordinator targets.
They would have to pivot to another offensive coordinator plan, which could delay or disrupt offseason preparation.
It could also impact the development of young quarterback Jaxson Dart, who would ideally benefit from continuity and a strong offensive strategy.
Giants insiders are reportedly watching this situation closely, as getting Monken into their system alongside Harbaugh was seen as a way to instantly stabilize their offense and support their rebuild.
🧠 Giants May Have a Backup Plan
Even if Monken isn’t available, Cleveland’s pursuit could open up a path for New York to promote from within. The Giants have Mike Kafka — their interim head coach during the final stretch of 2025 and former offensive coordinator — who has impressed in certain areas and could stay in the mix as OC under Harbaugh.
Keeping Kafka would provide continuity for the young team and give the Giants another internal option instead of searching externally.
📊 What This All Means for Both Teams
🏈 Cleveland Browns
Lost out on Harbaugh, but positioned themselves to secure a quality head coach like Monken.
Their offensive future is in flux, so landing Monken could be a major boost.
🗽 New York Giants
Still on track to hire John Harbaugh as head coach, which would be a huge move.
However, the potential loss of Monken throws a wrinkle into their coaching build-out and could force reconsideration of their offensive strategy.
The coaching carousel is still spinning, and the coming days and weeks should bring clarity on:
Whether Monken accepts a Browns interview or head coaching offer
Finalization of Harbaugh’s contract with the Giants
Who the Giants ultimately choose as offensive coordinator
With several head coaching vacancies across the NFL, these decisions are far from finished — but they could define the direction of these franchises for years to come.
