Browns request interview with Todd Monken, who spent 2019 with them as OC

Todd Monken spent a forgettable season with the Browns in 2019 as offensive coordinator under coach Freddie Kitchens.Could Monken get the opportunity to return as the head coach and determine his own Cleveland legacy?The Browns requested permission Tuesday to interview the offensive guru, a league source confirmed to The Chronicle-Telegram. They later requested to interview Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde.Zone Coverage PodcastThe Browns have begun the process of replacing Kevin Stefanski, who was fired Monday. They were the first confirmed interview requests in what is expected to be a long process that includes several candidates.Monken, 59, has spent the last three seasons as coordinator with the Ravens but may not return to Baltimore regardless of if he lands a head coaching job. Quarterback Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense were outstanding in 2023 and '24 before taking a step back this season as they went 8-9 and missed the playoffs.The Ravens had the NFL's No. 1-ranked offense in 2024 before slipping to No. 16 this year. They finished first, first and second in rushing yards in Monken's three years. They were fourth, third and 11th in points.Notes: Joel Bitonio wells up when reflecting on career as he considers retirementThe Browns went 6-10 in 2019 and Kitchens was fired after one season and replaced by Stefanski. With Baker Mayfield at quarterback, Monken's offense ranked 22nd in yards, points and passing offense and 12th rushing.Monken was the coach at Southern Mississippi from 2013-15, going 13-25. The Golden Eagles went 1-11 in his first season and 9-5 in his last, making a bowl game. He was named Conference USA Coach of the Year.He's bounced between the NFL and college since, also working as a coordinator with the Buccaneers and University of Georgia, where he won back-to-back national championships.He interviewed for multiple NFL jobs last offseason after Jackson had the best season of his career with career highs in touchdown passes (41), passing yards (4,172) and quarterback rating (119.6) while throwing only four interceptions.The Browns are determined to get better on offense this offseason after the unit was unable to support the NFL's No. 2 defense. The offense ranked 31st with 16.4 points a game and 30th with 262.1 yards.Jim Schwartz receives endorsement from players as Browns begin search for coachDurde, 46, was born in North London, England.He was hired by Seattle as coordinator in 2024 after three years as Cowboys defensive line coach. The Seahawks are 14-3 this season with the NFL's No. 1 scoring defense (17.2 points a game). Coach Mike Macdonald calls the defensive plays.Durde played linebacker in NFL Europe and was defensive coordinator for the London Warriors from 2011-16.The post Browns request interview with Todd Monken, who spent 2019 with them as OC first appeared on BrownsZone with Scott Petrak.