Mike Bajakian Hired as Browns QB Coach: What It Means for Cleveland In 2026
The Cleveland Browns are making moves. In an effort to revitalize an offense that struggled to find consistency last season, the team has reportedly hired Mike Bajakian as its new quarterbacks coach. This move reunites Bajakian with new head coach Todd Monken, signaling a clear direction for the Browns’ offensive philosophy heading into the 2026 season.
For fans in the Dawg Pound, the name might ring a bell—or perhaps bring back memories of Jameis Winston’s most prolific season in Tampa Bay. But beyond the resume, this hire represents a strategic pivot. It’s about stabilization, development, and maximizing the potential of a quarterback room that is currently in flux.
A Reunion With Todd Monken Is Smart
Chemistry on a coaching staff matters, often more than fans realize. When the headsets malfunction or the play clock is winding down in a hostile stadium, trust between the head coach and his assistants is paramount. Bajakian and Monken have worked together in the trenches before.
Their history suggests a shared vision. Monken knows what Bajakian brings to the meeting room: a rigorous attention to detail and a knack for translating complex schemes into executable concepts for quarterbacks. In Cleveland, where the pressure cooker is always set to high, having a QB coach who speaks the same language as the head coach is a massive asset.
Developing Shedeur Sanders Is The Goal
The elephant in the room—or rather, the young star under center—is Shedeur Sanders. Coming off a rookie campaign that showed flashes of brilliance mixed with typical first-year growing pains (1,400 yards, 7 TDs, 10 INTs in 8 games), Sanders is at a critical juncture. His development is arguably the single most important variable for the Browns’ future success.
Bajakian has a track record of working with diverse talents. From his time in the college ranks at Tennessee, Cincinnati, and Boston College, to his NFL stint in Tampa, he has adapted his coaching style to fit his personnel. His specific challenge now is to refine Sanders’ decision-making without stifling the playmaking ability that made him a fifth-round steal. With Stefanski gone, Sanders will easily benefit as both clearly didn’t get along.
Experience Across Levels
One of the most intriguing aspects of Bajakian’s career is his oscillation between the NFL and college football. After spending time as the offensive coordinator at Northwestern and most recently at UMass, he returns to the pros with a refreshed perspective and knowledge on how to run an offense.
College coaches often bring innovative concepts to the pro game, particularly in the RPO (Run-Pass Option) and spread game concepts that have taken over the league. Having someone who has recently been in the weeds of collegiate offenses could be beneficial for integrating modern concepts that suit a younger quarterback like Sanders. Or heck, maybe even Dillion Gabriel, whom the Browns used a 3rd round pick on during the NFL Draft.
The Road Ahead for the Browns
This offseason is pivotal. The AFC North remains a gauntlet, with the Ravens and Bengals consistently fielding high-powered offenses. To compete, Cleveland can’t just rely on its defense; they need to put points on the board. The hiring of Mike Bajakian isn’t just a staffing footnote; it’s a statement of intent.
As OTAs approach, all eyes will be on how quickly Bajakian can get this quarterback room up to speed. If history is any indicator, he’ll have them ready to work. Shedeur Sanders has yet another qualified coach to help him out in his development in year 2. This Browns team has potential if things go to plan, coaching and development-wise.
