Ever since hiring John Harbaugh as their new head coach, the expectation has been that the New York Giants will eventually bring in Todd Monken as their next offensive coordinator. After all, Monken was with Harbaugh in Baltimore as the Ravens’ most recent offensive coordinator. It was reported that Harbaugh was unwilling to fire Monken after the Ravens missed the postseason, which ultimately led to both of their dismissals.
Monken would make sense as a fit for the Giants’ offensive coordinator job, given his strong working relationship with Harbaugh. Big Blue fans seem to approve of the potential hire on social media, for the most part.
### A New Threat in the Race for Monken
However, there is one major “threat” emerging in the race to land Monken. SNY Giants insider Connor Hughes highlighted this on January 18. Sharing a post from ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, Hughes wrote on X, “This is [the] Giants’ biggest threat.”
Fowler’s report revealed that “Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken will interview with the [Cleveland] Browns in-person Tuesday, per source. This is Monken’s second interview with the team.” Unlike the Giants who are reportedly interested in Monken as an offensive coordinator, the Browns are considering him for their head coach position — a role that would naturally take precedence over any coordinator offer.
### What If Monken Joins the Browns?
The assumption is that Harbaugh is waiting on Cleveland’s decision regarding Monken. If the Browns do hire Monken as their head coach, the Giants would have to pivot to another offensive coordinator candidate.
While there’s no definite answer on who that might be, one potential candidate could be former Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Roman, who was also connected to Harbaugh and Baltimore, was recently fired by the Los Angeles Chargers. However, John Harbaugh moved on from Roman after the 2022 campaign, so Roman may no longer be a favored option within the Harbaugh circle—despite their past ties.
### Other Potential Candidates
Aside from Roman, a few interesting offensive-minded coaches have recently become available, including:
– Former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel
– Former Arizona Cardinals head coach and recent Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury
– Former Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson
That said, it remains unclear if Harbaugh would pursue a “big name” candidate with whom he has no prior connection or trust.
### Monken Speaks on Harbaugh as Giants’ OC Search Intensifies
While appearing on the “Ryan Ripken Show,” Todd Monken made it clear that he still believes in John Harbaugh and all he has accomplished as a head coach.
“Are you going to tell me John Harbaugh’s message after 18 years as a head coach, the best I’ve been around, besides Kirby Smart, those two guys, that all of a sudden the message isn’t clear?” Monken said, addressing doubts about Harbaugh’s leadership.
“He’s the best, to me, [at] motivating and directing and keeping a team moving in a certain direction,” the veteran offensive coordinator added. He concluded that any claims about Harbaugh’s message being unclear are simply an “easy cop-out.”
### The Outlook for the Giants’ OC Position
There is clearly no ill will between Monken and Harbaugh. Monken remains the favorite for the Giants’ offensive coordinator position — as long as Cleveland doesn’t swoop in and appoint him as their head coach first.
Giants fans and management will no doubt be watching the Browns’ decision closely in the coming weeks as the OC search continues to heat up.
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