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Ex-Ravens coach Monken: 'Wouldn't have Browns job without Lamar'
25 Jun
Summary
- Monken credits Lamar Jackson for his new head coaching position.
- Monken jokingly told Jackson he would face heavy blitzes.
- Jackson won MVP twice, but Ravens lost close playoff games.
Todd Monken's tenure as offensive coordinator for the Ravens concluded after three seasons, failing to secure a Super Bowl title but impressing enough to earn the Browns' head coaching position. Monken credited Lamar Jackson, calling him a "tremendous person" and admitting he "wouldn't have this job without him." He recounted a playful exchange with Jackson via text, where he joked about blitzing him on every third down, eliciting laughter from the quarterback.
Jackson earned MVP honors in 2023 and was a runner-up in 2024, yet the Ravens experienced narrow playoff losses during those campaigns. Injuries to the star quarterback also impacted their playoff hopes in 2025. Monken commented that "everything has a shelf life" regarding the Ravens' coaching changes post-season, suggesting his departure might have been imminent regardless.
With Cleveland's interest, Monken may have been moving on regardless of the Ravens' decisions. His new role will see him tasked with developing defensive strategies against the very quarterback he previously aimed to lead to a championship.
