NFL Staff Updates: Thomas, Commanders, Dolphins

As Browns head coach Todd Monken made Cleveland his new home, he endeavored to bring with him a name that hasn’t been a consistent presence in Cleveland for almost a decade. When talking to the media at practices this week, Monken told reporters that he offered Hall of Fame left tackle Joe Thomas a full-time position with the Browns.

“When I was interviewing for the job, then when I got the job, I reached out to Joe,” Monken said. “Joe, obviously, played for (offensive line coach) George Warhop, as well, and I said, ‘Hey, we’ve got a spot for you if you want to help us coach.’ And he said, ‘I’d love to coach…I don’t think I want to commit to an everyday contract.’ I said, ‘That’s fine. Anytime you want to come out and help our guys, you’re more than welcome,’ and we certainly would welcome him.”

From the time Thomas entered the league in 2007 to his retirement 10 years later, he was the class of the league at his position. As a rookie No. 3 overall pick, Thomas was a Pro Bowler and finished second in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting to Adrian Peterson. With the exception of his injury-shortened final season, Thomas earned Pro Bowl honors every year of his career. In eight All-Pro seasons, Thomas made second-team only twice and first-team six times. With rookie No. 9 overall pick Spencer Fano taking over left tackle duties in Cleveland, Thomas’ mentorship could be a true asset. At the moment, though, the Browns will have to make due with some part-time help.

Here are a few other coaching updates from around the NFL:

• Another name that won’t be coaching in Cleveland this year is Nick Charlton. Charlton served on the Browns’ staff the past two years as offensive assistant/run game specialist in 2024 and pass game specialist in 2025. According to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports, Charlton has been hired as an offensive assistant for the Commanders.
• Lastly, Miami made a recent addition in their front office this week. According to the neRd quality X account, Isaiah Hawbaker has been hired to the Dolphins‘ analytics department as a staff assistant. Before making his way to the NFL, Hawbaker worked as an operations assistant at Wake Forest and a scouting & recruiting assistant at Tennessee.