Back in January, the Cleveland Browns handed Todd Monken the reins, but before his first regular-season game, one bold prediction already has the franchise replacing him with Jim Harbaugh.

Recently, SB Nation NFL insider Jarrett Bailey made 61 predictions for the 2026 season, and in one segment, the insider suggested that the Browns might let go of Todd Monken after this season in favor of Jim Harbaugh.

“The Harbaugh family is from Ohio, and John Harbaugh was reportedly tempted by the Browns’ job this past offseason due to those roots. Brother Jim ends up taking the job, as Cleveland desperately needs a big name who has proven to be a culture shifter and winner,” wrote Bailey.

In his SB Nation report, Jarrett Bailey expressed that Monken will lead the team for just one season before Jim Harbaugh replaces him.

He further added that this wouldn't have happened if Jim Harbaugh hadn't been available.

Interestingly, Bailey's projection for Monken is closely tied to his belief that the Los Angeles Chargers will part ways with Jim Harbaugh after the 2026 season.

He also predicted that Harbaugh would be fired by the Chargers, with offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel succeeding him in Los Angeles.

“Missing the postseason altogether leads the franchise to go with a younger, more forward-thinking mind in McDaniel at head coach,” wrote Bailey.

Todd Monken and Jim Harbaugh's fates will be decided this season.

However, while Bailey believes the Browns will part ways with Monken, another NFL insider has come forward to praise Monken for his coaching.

Browns insider heaps praise on Todd Monken

When the Browns hired Todd Monken, he knew he had been handed a team that was crumbling, and he wasted no time molding it into shape.

According to the latest Orange and Brown Talk podcast, Cleveland.com Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot, during her conversation with Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe, said Monken's demanding approach has already made his early tenure feel noticeably different from previous regimes.

“He is all about the work. He’s not going to be giving the veterans any days of rest. If they’re not practicing, it’s going to be because they’re injured, they’re truly injured,” Cabot said on the podcast.

Veterans used to get some rest during parts of training camp, but that is not the case under Todd Monken. The head coach demands 100% attendance, and it's non-negotiable.

“He doesn’t tolerate sloppy football. He doesn’t tolerate mistakes,” she said.

Throughout OTAs, Todd Monken repeatedly pulled Shedeur Sanders aside for an honest pep talk after drills. It's not only the players who have to listen to his pep talks but also the coaches as well.

Monken is establishing a culture of accountability throughout the entire organization.

What are your thoughts on Todd Monken and John Harbaugh's performance this season? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Rudra Dubey