Continuing Knox College's strong tradition of developing leaders, Class of 1989 graduate Todd Monken was named the head coach of the Cleveland Browns on Wednesday morning.
Monken, formerly the offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens, becomes the 19th head coach in Browns history.
Monken, a 1998 inductee into the Knox-Lombard Athletics Hall of Fame, was a two-sport athlete, starring for both the Prairie Fire football and baseball teams. He is still connected to the Prairie Fire football program, regularly returning to Knox to participate in, and speak at, program events.
"Todd's journey reflects what Knox has always been about, developing people with confidence and preparing them to lead at the highest levels," Knox Director of Athletics Justin Newell said. "We are proud of his accomplishments and equally excited about what his story represents for our current and future Prairie Fire."
In 1988, Monken led the nation in pass attempts, completions, and completion percentage. He was also a Pizza Hut All-American and the Midwest Conference's All-Conference quarterback. Monken currently holds five different Knox football records. He also lettered twice in baseball.
After graduating from Knox with a bachelor's degree in economics and earning his master's degree from Grand Valley State University, Monken began his coaching career as a graduate assistant under College Football Hall of Fame coach, Lou Holtz at Notre Dame.
"Todd has been one of the most celebrated football leaders at the collegiate and professional level, so this announcement is fitting and well-deserved," Knox College President, C. Andrew McGadney said. "The entire Prairie Fire Nation will cheer and support the new coach of the Cleveland Browns. Please join me in congratulating Coach Monken."
Monken has 37 seasons of coaching experience, including 11 in the NFL. He has spent seven seasons as an NFL offensive coordinator, including one season with the Browns in 2019, and another four as a wide receivers coach with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Monken also spent 26 years coaching at the collegiate level, including serving as the head coach of Southern Miss from 2013-15 and the offensive coordinator at the University of Georgia from 2020-22. During his tenure as offensive coordinator at Georgia, he helped produce back-to-back national championship seasons in 2021 and 2022.
He was also an offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Oklahoma State Cowboys, Eastern Michigan Eagles, and the Baltimore Ravens.
"We are very excited to name Todd Monken the next head coach of the Cleveland Browns," Managing and Principal Partners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said in a statement. "Todd is highly intelligent, and his experienced, innovative offensive mindset has been at the forefront of constructing productive and successful offenses at the NFL and collegiate level over the last 20 years. He is an outstanding leader and has a clear vision to lead our team as a strong communicator who values trust with his players but also accountability and preparation. We welcome Todd, Terri, and the rest of the Monken family back to the Browns and look forward to him establishing the winning culture that will lead our team to the success our fans so deserve."
Monken will assume his role as head coach immediately.
