When the Baltimore Ravens announced on Tuesday that they are parting ways with longtime head coach John Harbaugh, it didn’t just shake up the AFC; it sent shockwaves across the NFL coaching landscape. And with Harbaugh now on the move, there’s an obvious domino that could soon follow him out of Baltimore:
Offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
Logic says Harbaugh will try to bring Monken with him to his next destination. The two have been aligned philosophically, and Monken’s fingerprints are all over Baltimore’s recent offensive evolution. But if the Detroit Lions are serious about maximizing their Super Bowl window, they shouldn’t sit back and assume Monken is already spoken for.
They should make him an offer he can’t refuse and bring him to Detroit to call plays.
Because Todd Monken is exactly the kind of offensive mind who could take this Lions team from “dangerous contender” to nightmare matchup for the rest of the NFL.
Why Monken Is Worth Going All-In For
Few coaches in football can match the depth, diversity, and adaptability of Todd Monken’s résumé. His coaching trajectory reads like the path of someone who has earned everything the hard way, learning at every level and building offenses that don’t just score points, they evolve.
Early Career & College Foundation (1989–2006)
Monken cut his teeth as a young assistant at Grand Valley State and Notre Dame, before taking on crucial developmental roles at Eastern Michigan, Louisiana Tech, Oklahoma State, and LSU. At every stop, he sharpened his understanding of scheme design, quarterback development, and modern passing concepts — long before those ideas became mainstream in college football.
NFL & Head Coaching Experience (2007–2019)
From there, Monken transitioned to the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars, returned to Oklahoma State to coordinate a high-powered offense, then took over as head coach at Southern Miss, where he led the program to a Conference USA West title. His later stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cleveland Browns further cemented his reputation as a creative, aggressive offensive architect.
Recent Dominance & Evolution (2020–Present)
- At Georgia, Monken built a balanced, surgical offense that powered a National Championship run.
- In Baltimore, he reshaped the Ravens’ attack into a more flexible, multiple system that unlocked new layers of production.
This isn’t a coach tied to one philosophy.
This is a coach who adapts to personnel and wins doing it.
And that makes him especially intriguing for Detroit.
Why Monken Makes Sense for the Lions — Right Now
The Lions’ Super Bowl window is open, but not guaranteed forever. The core is in place, the roster is built on physicality and talent, and the organization has never had a better platform to chase greatness.
Bringing in Todd Monken would:
- Add a proven, championship-caliber offensive strategist
- Challenge and elevate Detroit’s already high-powered offense
- Bring fresh concepts without abandoning physical identity
- Provide schematic answers in the biggest playoff-moment situations
Monken’s offenses don’t just score; they stress defenses mentally and physically. His ability to blend pro-style structure with spacing and tempo would complement Detroit’s personnel beautifully.
He has worked in:
- run-first systems
- QB-centric spread attacks
- play-action rhythm passing games
- hybrid collegiate/pro-style offenses
That versatility is rare, and invaluable.
Detroit Cannot Afford to Be Passive Here
If Harbaugh lands a new job quickly, Monken may already have one foot out the door.
That’s why the Lions shouldn’t wait.
They should:
- Call immediately.
- Sell the vision.
- Sell the roster.
- Sell the Super Bowl opportunity.
Make it clear that Detroit isn’t just offering a job, it’s offering a chance to help finish something special.
Because windows like this don’t last forever. And championship teams are often built around bold decisions at the right time.
This is one of those moments.
Bottom Line
Todd Monken isn’t just another offensive coordinator. He is a battle-tested, innovative, adaptable football mind who has succeeded everywhere he’s been, from small college programs to the NFL and national championship stages.
If he becomes available, the Detroit Lions shouldn’t watch from the sidelines.
They should go all-in.
And if they do, it just might be the move that pushes this franchise from contender to champion.
Recent Comments