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Todd Monken picked up a major win for the Cleveland Browns’ coaching staff, but it likely only lasts for a season

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Feb 20, 2026 2:16 PM ET

The Cleveland Browns have their coaching staff almost fully assembled under new head coach Todd Monken.

Hiring Monken caused some fallout from within and the Browns lost Jim Schwartz as their defensive coordinator as a result. Schwartz was in the mix to be the head coach and wasn’t okay with staying to work under Monken when he was the runner-up for the head job.

Todd Monken gives promotions to a pair of Browns assistants and it’s the right move

News broke on Thursday for the Browns that linebackers coach Jason Tarver was having the run game coordinator added to his title. Tarver was one of two current Browns assistants in the mix to be the new defensive coordinator before Monken hired Mike Rutenberg to be the guy.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Browns have promoted safeties coach Ephrahim Banda to defensive pass game coordinator alongside his current role. It’s a key promotion for Banda, who many thought was going to be the next defensive coordinator in Cleveland.

The Browns are promoting safeties coach Ephraim Banda to pass game coordinator, per source.

Banda interviewed this cycle for several defensive coordinator jobs, including with the Patriots. But he’ll stay in Cleveland as a top assistant to new DC Mike Rutenberg. pic.twitter.com/f8Jdt5ZFac
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 20, 2026

Reality is that Banda very well could be in his last season with the Browns. Banda interviewed for at least three defensive coordinator jobs, including the Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots. He’s viewed as an up-and-coming defensive mind who is going to soon get his own defense to call.

Monken and the Browns making things right with the two in-house coordinator candidates following passing over them for an outside hire is key. We saw Schwartz up and leave, and there’s not much stopping either Banda or Tarver from doing the same. Both are valuable assistants who could land on their feet elsewhere.

The defense keeping some continuity with the staff from last year is a win. Cleveland’s defense wasn’t the issue last year and they should be a force again in 2026.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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