Todd Monken Era Begins in Cleveland Amid Tension, High Expectations
Todd Monken’s arrival in Cleveland was never going to be quiet, and it certainly hasn’t been. The Browns’ new head coach, formerly the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, stepped into the role after beating out several candidates - including current defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz - and the fallout has been immediate and dramatic.
According to reports, Schwartz didn’t take the decision lightly. He allegedly stormed out of the Browns’ facility, telling those around him he was “done” with the team and threatening to make his exit “ugly.” That kind of reaction doesn’t just stay in-house - it ripples through the locker room.
And that’s exactly what’s happening. Star pass rusher Myles Garrett, one of the most respected voices on the team, took to social media to express frustration with the organization. For a team that’s been trying to build continuity and culture, this kind of internal friction is the last thing they need.
Monken: “I Took This Job Because of the Players”
Monken didn’t shy away from the situation during his introductory press conference. In fact, he addressed it head-on, making it clear that his decision to take the job had more to do with the players on the field than the coaches on staff.
“They’re a big reason why I took this job. The defensive players,” Monken said.
“I didn’t take this job because of Jim Schwartz. I have a lot of respect for Jim Schwartz, as I would hope he has for me.
But I took it because of the players who are here, the ownership, Andrew Berry, and the ability to build this roster from the ground up on the offensive side.”
That’s a bold statement, but Monken didn’t stop there. He gave a glimpse into how seriously he takes Cleveland’s defensive talent - not just in theory, but in how he game-planned against them.
“When I was preparing for the Cleveland Browns, I wasn’t chipping Jim Schwartz,” Monken said. “I was chipping Myles Garrett.
When I was sliding in protection to the outside linebackers, to Grant Delpit if they were blitzing off the edge, I was sliding the protection for the players. When I was worried about throwing to the right at Denzel Ward or Tyson Campbell to the left, that’s who I was worried about.”
That’s not just lip service. That’s a coach who’s studied this defense, who respects the talent, and who knows exactly where the threats are. And he’s now tasked with leading those same players - assuming they’re willing to follow.
A Vision Built on Accountability
Monken isn’t just bringing a new voice to the locker room - he’s bringing a new standard. Asked about his vision for a Browns team that’s struggled to find consistent footing over the past two seasons, Monken pointed to one thing: accountability.
“I think you have to hold the players accountable for what they say their dreams and aspirations are,” Monken said. “Everybody likes honesty until they don't like what's said while being honest.”
That’s the kind of message that can either galvanize a team or divide it further. Monken knows this is his first shot as a head coach, and he’s stepping into a situation that’s already emotionally charged. But he’s also stepping in with a plan, a voice, and a clear sense of what he wants to build.
Now the question becomes: will the locker room buy in?
There’s no doubt Monken has the football mind to lead a turnaround. His work with Baltimore’s offense - particularly in maximizing the strengths of a dual-threat quarterback and building a balanced attack - turned heads across the league.
But Cleveland isn’t just looking for scheme. They’re looking for leadership, unity, and results.
And if the early tension is any indication, Monken’s going to have to earn every bit of that buy-in.