The Cleveland Browns made a bold move by hiring Todd Monken as their new head coach, and the decision has already sparked plenty of debate across the NFL landscape. One of the loudest voices in that conversation? Former NFL linebacker and current analyst Emmanuel Acho, who didn’t hold back in his critique of the hire.
On a recent episode of Speakeasy, Acho questioned whether Monken is truly ready to lead an NFL locker room. While he acknowledged Monken’s strong track record as an offensive coordinator - and that resume is nothing to scoff at - Acho argued that the jump to head coach is a different ballgame entirely.
“There is nothing about Todd Monken as a head coach that should get you excited,” Acho said bluntly.
He didn’t stop there. Acho went on to question whether Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders - or anyone in that locker room - should be taking direction from Monken at all.
“If I’m Shedeur or anybody in that locker room, why am I listening to Todd Monken? What have you won on an NFL level as a head coach?”
Acho asked. “You’re not even a head coach on an NFL level.
So I don’t even have expectations for Shedeur under Todd Monken, because I believe any expectations I would have, he would not meet.”
That take didn’t sit well with a number of former players and current analysts, who quickly pushed back on Acho’s comments.
Danny Kanell, a former NFL quarterback and current CBS Sports analyst, didn’t mince words. “Hey @grok is this the dumbest sports take ever?” he posted in response.
Taylor Lewan, the former Pro Bowl offensive tackle and now an NFL analyst himself, weighed in with a message aimed at young players: “If you’re a young football player in the NFL this is the worst possible mindset to have. Learn and grow as much as you can from as many as you can. Horrible take, bad for football take.”
Former NFL tight end Benjamin Watson also chimed in, pointing out a fundamental truth about the coaching ladder: “This is dumb. And loud.
You listen to Todd Monken because he is your head coach. It’s your job.
Also, every head coach was at one point a first time head coach.”
The core of the debate here isn’t just about Monken’s credentials - it’s about what it means to lead in the NFL. Monken may be a first-time head coach at this level, but he’s no stranger to high-level football.
He’s called plays in both college and the pros, and his offensive systems have consistently produced results. The question now is whether he can take that next step - not just designing schemes, but managing personalities, setting a culture, and steering a franchise that has been searching for stability for years.
As for Shedeur Sanders, he’s entering the league with sky-high expectations and a spotlight that’s only going to get brighter. Having a coach like Monken - someone with a deep understanding of offensive football and a fresh perspective - could be a huge asset.
But it’ll come down to trust, communication, and results. That’s the equation every new head coach has to solve.
And let’s not forget: every great NFL head coach started somewhere. Mike Tomlin, Sean McVay, Kyle Shanahan - they all had their first shot.
Whether Monken can follow that path remains to be seen, but dismissing him out of the gate? That’s a tough sell.
This hire marks a turning point for the Browns. They’ve got a talented young quarterback, a fanbase hungry for success, and now, a coach with something to prove. The spotlight is on Cleveland - and the Todd Monken era is officially underway.