Monken hired by Browns; Jets add Duker as coaching carousel continues, NFL tracker says
NFL.com’s coaching tracker lists Cleveland hiring Todd Monken as head coach and notes the Jets hiring Brian Duker as defensive coordinator. The moves highlight a fast-moving hiring cycle as teams reshape staffs ahead of 2026.
Coaching moves pile up across the league
The NFL’s 2026 hiring cycle continued to accelerate on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, with league and team announcements reflected in NFL.com’s running tracker of coaching and front-office changes.
The tracker is updated in real time and compiles hires, firings and interviews across head coach and coordinator openings, giving a snapshot of how quickly staffs are changing as the offseason begins.
Cleveland names Todd Monken head coach
Among the most notable entries, Cleveland hired Todd Monken—previously the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive coordinator—as its next head coach, according to NFL Network insiders cited by NFL.com. The decision puts an offensive architect in charge as the Browns move into a new phase of roster planning and scheme identity.
The hire also signals how teams are weighing offensive structure and quarterback development when choosing head coaches, with franchises often prioritizing play-calling clarity and system stability.
Jets add Brian Duker to lead the defense
The tracker also reported that the New York Jets hired Brian Duker as their defensive coordinator on January 28, per NFL Network reporting. Duker previously served as the Dolphins pass game coordinator/secondary, and now steps into a larger role with the Jets.
For New York, the hire represents a key piece in assembling a staff capable of sustaining defensive performance while the team evaluates roster needs and adjusts to league-wide offensive trends.
Why these hires matter now
Coordinator selections tend to shape offseason personnel decisions, from draft priorities to free-agent targets, because front offices build around a staff’s preferred scheme and terminology. Early hires can also help teams move faster on player evaluations and install plans.
With more openings and interviews still underway, the NFL.com tracker indicates that the coaching carousel is far from over—and additional staff changes are expected in the coming days.