The Raiders’ Coaching Situation
To understand the significance of the Raiders’ interest in Todd Monken, it’s important to take a step back and assess the team’s current coaching situation.
The Josh McDaniels Era Ends in Turmoil
The Raiders began the 2023 season under the guidance of Josh McDaniels, who was hired to bring stability and success to a franchise that had been through its fair share of struggles over the years. McDaniels, a former offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots, was expected to bring his expertise in developing a dynamic offense, as well as his relationship with quarterback Derek Carr, who was a fixture of the Raiders’ offense for nearly a decade. However, despite having talented players like Davante Adams and Josh Jacobs, McDaniels’ tenure was riddled with inconsistent performance, lackluster results, and poor leadership.
In the middle of the 2023 season, the Raiders decided to part ways with McDaniels, promoting defensive coordinator Antonio Pierce to serve as the interim head coach. Under Pierce, the team showed some promise, but there was no denying that the offensive struggles remained a key issue. Given the importance of a high-functioning offense in today’s NFL, the Raiders began their search for a permanent head coach who could right the ship and help elevate the team to playoff contention.
Why Offensive Philosophy Matters
The decision to target an offensive-minded coach is crucial for the Raiders. Despite a historically strong defense, the team’s offensive struggles have been a key reason for their inability to maintain consistency and success in recent years. The Raiders have a roster with significant offensive talent, particularly at the skill positions, but have failed to unlock that potential. Whether it was the disjointed relationship with McDaniels, injuries to key players, or inconsistent quarterback play, the Raiders’ offense failed to live up to expectations.
In this context, an offensive-minded coach is seen as the best route forward for the franchise. Monken fits this mold, and that’s why he’s being considered as a serious candidate.
Who is Todd Monken?
Before diving into the specifics of how Monken could fit with the Raiders, it’s important to understand who he is and why he’s such a coveted coaching prospect.
A Proven Offensive Mind
Todd Monken has developed a reputation as one of the brightest offensive minds in football. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an ability to develop and implement diverse, high-powered offenses at both the collegiate and NFL levels.
Monken’s most notable recent success came during his time as the offensive coordinator for the University of Georgia, where he was responsible for transforming the Bulldogs’ offense into one of the most potent in the country. Under Monken’s guidance, Georgia won two consecutive national championships (2021 and 2022), with a balanced and efficient offensive attack that featured a dynamic passing game, a strong running game, and a focus on exploiting mismatches at the line of scrimmage. Monken’s ability to adapt to his personnel and tailor his system to fit the strengths of his players was key to Georgia’s success.
Before Georgia, Monken also had successful stints in the NFL. He served as the offensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns from 2019 to 2020, where he worked with quarterback Baker Mayfield and helped create a high-powered offense that ranked among the top in the league for several key categories. Monken also had successful years as the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers under head coach Dirk Koetter, where he worked with quarterbacks like Jameis Winston and helped lead one of the most prolific passing attacks in the league.
The Ravens’ Success Under Monken
In 2023, Monken was hired as the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, taking over from Greg Roman, who had led a run-heavy offense centered around quarterback Lamar Jackson’s mobility. Under Monken, the Ravens made a deliberate shift toward a more balanced offense that still utilized Jackson’s strengths as a dynamic dual-threat quarterback but also incorporated a more traditional passing game. This evolution of the Ravens’ offense paid dividends, as they had one of the more effective offenses in the NFL, showcasing balance, explosiveness, and a more refined passing game.
Monken’s ability to adapt to his quarterback’s skills, as well as his deep understanding of offensive schemes, allowed the Ravens to be more versatile in their playcalling. Lamar Jackson had one of his best seasons in terms of passing accuracy and efficiency, and the offense as a whole showed greater variety and sophistication.
Why the Raiders Are Interested
The Raiders’ request to speak with Todd Monken stems from a need for a coach who can bring a fresh offensive perspective to the team. While the team has solid players on both sides of the ball, there is no denying that their offensive struggles have held them back in recent years. With quarterback Derek Carr gone and Jimmy Garoppolo underperforming in 2023, the Raiders are searching for stability at the most important position on the field—quarterback.
Monken has a track record of developing quarterbacks and orchestrating offenses that balance the run and pass. Whether it’s helping a traditional pocket passer like Baker Mayfield or working with a dynamic athlete like Lamar Jackson, Monken has shown that he can adapt his scheme to maximize a quarterback’s strengths. The Raiders would likely be hoping that Monken could do the same for Garoppolo or potentially a future quarterback they may target in the draft or via trade.
In addition to his work with quarterbacks, Monken’s ability to generate explosive plays through the air would be a big selling point for the Raiders. The team has one of the NFL’s top wide receivers in Davante Adams, but despite his individual success, the Raiders have struggled to consistently produce in the passing game. A system that can better utilize Adams, as well as other talents like tight end Darren Waller (should he stay), could help elevate the offense to new heights.
Monken’s offensive philosophy also focuses on adaptability, which would be a key asset for the Raiders. The NFL is a league defined by ever-evolving trends, and Monken’s ability to implement a system that adjusts to league trends and player strengths makes him an ideal candidate for a team like the Raiders, which is looking for a long-term solution.
How Monken Could Impact the Raiders
If the Raiders do succeed in hiring Todd Monken, it would have several positive implications for the franchise. Here are a few key areas where he could make an immediate impact:
- Quarterback Development: Monken has a proven track record of developing quarterbacks. Given the uncertainty at the quarterback position in Las Vegas, his expertise in developing quarterbacks and tailoring systems to their strengths could provide a boost to whoever takes the helm, whether it’s Garoppolo or a future acquisition.
- Play-Calling Versatility: Monken’s play-calling is known for its versatility and ability to attack defenses in multiple ways. Whether it’s through play-action, RPOs (run-pass options), or intricate passing concepts, Monken is adept at keeping defenses off balance. This would be a big benefit to the Raiders’ offense, which has often struggled with predictability.
- Utilizing Offensive Talent: The Raiders have significant offensive talent, particularly in the receiving corps. Monken would likely find ways to better utilize players like Davante Adams and Josh Jacobs, helping the team create more explosive plays.
- Creating a Balanced Attack: One of Monken’s hallmarks is his ability to balance the pass and the run, allowing offenses to remain unpredictable and hard to defend. This could be a major improvement over McDaniels’ more one-dimensional approach in the passing game.
- Long-Term Stability: Finally, Monken’s experience in both the NFL and college football could provide the stability the Raiders are looking for. He’s proven that he can handle high-pressure situations and adjust to different challenges, making him a potential long-term solution for the team.
