Browns Hire Offensive Coaching Staff Under New Head Coach Todd Monken

Monken brings in familiar faces to lead Browns offense, including QB coach Mike Bajakian and TE coach Jeff Blasko.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 3:31pm

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New Browns head coach Todd Monken has quickly assembled his offensive coaching staff, hiring Mike Bajakian as quarterbacks coach, Jeff Blasko as tight ends coach, and Daniel Stern as associate head coach. Bajakian and Blasko have previously worked with Monken, while Stern is in the interviewing stage. The Browns are also expected to retain defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.

Why it matters

Monken's ability to quickly build an experienced offensive staff is seen as a key strength as he takes over the Browns. Retaining Schwartz would also provide continuity on the defensive side of the ball. These hires will be crucial in developing young quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, as well as getting Deshaun Watson back on track after injuries.

The details

Bajakian, 51, served as quarterbacks coach for the Buccaneers from 2015-18 when Monken was offensive coordinator there. Blasko, 42, was the assistant offensive line coach for the Browns in 2019 when Monken was offensive coordinator. Stern, coming off 10 seasons with the Ravens, is interviewing for the associate head coach role, which would include game day procedures like clock management. The Browns are also expected to retain defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who was passed over for the head coaching job.

  • Monken was hired as the Browns' 19th head coach just 5 days ago.
  • Bajakian was set to become quarterbacks coach at Michigan State before Monken called on him.
  • Blasko joined the Jets as tight ends coach last season after 5 years with the Cowboys.

The players

Todd Monken

The new head coach of the Cleveland Browns, known for his ability to assemble strong offensive coaching staffs.

Mike Bajakian

The new quarterbacks coach for the Browns, who previously served in the same role for the Buccaneers when Monken was the offensive coordinator there.

Jeff Blasko

The new tight ends coach for the Browns, who previously worked as an assistant offensive line coach for the team in 2019 when Monken was the offensive coordinator.

Daniel Stern

Interviewing for the associate head coach role with the Browns, coming off 10 seasons with the Ravens where he served as the director of football strategy and assistant quarterbacks coach.

Jim Schwartz

The Browns' defensive coordinator, who is expected to remain with the team after being passed over for the head coaching job.

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What’s next

The Browns are expected to finalize the hires of Bajakian, Blasko, and Stern in the coming days.

The takeaway

With his quick assembly of an experienced offensive coaching staff, new Browns head coach Todd Monken is signaling his intent to quickly turn around the team's offense and develop young talent at key positions like quarterback.