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The NFL saw several head coaching changes this offseason, as it does nearly every year. Some hires came as surprises, while others — like the Cleveland Browns’ search — felt more predictable. The Browns notably had multiple candidates either decline interviews or withdraw from consideration before ultimately hiring former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
At first glance, the hire made sense. Monken orchestrated one of the league’s most explosive offenses in Baltimore and helped quarterback Lamar Jackson deliver another MVP-caliber season. The challenge, however, is that Monken does not have a player like Jackson in Cleveland. At this point, he may not even have a quarterback as reliable as Tyler Huntley. On Wednesday, that frustration appeared to surface publicly.
MORE: Ric Flair destroys ‘idiot’ ESPN pundit over Aaron Rodgers comments
After speaking with reporters about the team’s first seven-on-seven drills of the offseason, Monken looked visibly irritated. Perhaps he is already realizing just how difficult this season could become. There are only 32 head coaching jobs in the NFL, but Cleveland has long carried a reputation as one of the least desirable openings during coaching cycles.
Feb 3, 2026; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken, second left, poses with managing and principal partner Jimmy Haslam, left, managing partner JW Johnson, second right and managing partner Whitney Haslam Johnson during an introductory press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
When reporters asked Monken about his observations from seven-on-seven drills — particularly regarding the defense — his frustration boiled over.
“Yeah, we threw interceptions in seven on seven for God’s sake,” he said.
He then turned his criticism toward the offense, especially the quarterbacks.
“I mean, who does that? There’s no pass rush. I mean, it’s embarrassing,” he concluded.
MORE: 6 greatest ‘Last Dances’ in NFL history
Of course, it remains extremely early in the offseason. Minicamps are approaching, and training camp does not begin until July. Still, Monken’s comments made it clear he is unhappy with where the offense currently stands. While Cleveland’s defense is certainly capable of playing at an elite level, seven-on-seven drills typically favor the offense.
Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken on the field before the game against the Washington Commanders at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
There is no pass rush, the offense knows its reads, and the focus centers on delivering the ball to the correct target. Turnovers and mistakes can simply reflect early growing pains, but Monken clearly expected sharper execution.
Cleveland’s quarterback room currently features Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Taylen Green. The group has potential, but little certainty. Three of the four quarterbacks have yet to prove they can consistently succeed in Cleveland, and the starting job remains very much up in the air.
For Monken, the transition from coaching stars like Jackson and Derrick Henry to managing this level of instability was always going to present a challenge. There is no questioning his qualifications as a head coach. The bigger question is whether Cleveland was the right opportunity.
Then again, several other candidates appeared reluctant to make Cleveland their first head coaching stop as well. The Browns are betting Monken can change that narrative. Whether he succeeds or ultimately views the job as a career misstep remains to be seen.
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At first glance, the hire made sense. Monken orchestrated one of the league’s most explosive offenses in Baltimore and helped quarterback Lamar Jackson deliver another MVP-caliber season. The challenge, however, is that Monken does not have a player like Jackson in Cleveland. At this point, he may not even have a quarterback as reliable as Tyler Huntley. On Wednesday, that frustration appeared to surface publicly.
MORE: Ric Flair destroys ‘idiot’ ESPN pundit over Aaron Rodgers comments
After speaking with reporters about the team’s first seven-on-seven drills of the offseason, Monken looked visibly irritated. Perhaps he is already realizing just how difficult this season could become. There are only 32 head coaching jobs in the NFL, but Cleveland has long carried a reputation as one of the least desirable openings during coaching cycles.
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Feb 3, 2026; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken, second left, poses with managing and principal partner Jimmy Haslam, left, managing partner JW Johnson, second right and managing partner Whitney Haslam Johnson during an introductory press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
When reporters asked Monken about his observations from seven-on-seven drills — particularly regarding the defense — his frustration boiled over.
“Yeah, we threw interceptions in seven on seven for God’s sake,” he said.
He then turned his criticism toward the offense, especially the quarterbacks.
“I mean, who does that? There’s no pass rush. I mean, it’s embarrassing,” he concluded.
MORE: 6 greatest ‘Last Dances’ in NFL history
Of course, it remains extremely early in the offseason. Minicamps are approaching, and training camp does not begin until July. Still, Monken’s comments made it clear he is unhappy with where the offense currently stands. While Cleveland’s defense is certainly capable of playing at an elite level, seven-on-seven drills typically favor the offense.
You must be registered for see images attach
Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken on the field before the game against the Washington Commanders at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
There is no pass rush, the offense knows its reads, and the focus centers on delivering the ball to the correct target. Turnovers and mistakes can simply reflect early growing pains, but Monken clearly expected sharper execution.
Cleveland’s quarterback room currently features Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Taylen Green. The group has potential, but little certainty. Three of the four quarterbacks have yet to prove they can consistently succeed in Cleveland, and the starting job remains very much up in the air.
For Monken, the transition from coaching stars like Jackson and Derrick Henry to managing this level of instability was always going to present a challenge. There is no questioning his qualifications as a head coach. The bigger question is whether Cleveland was the right opportunity.
Then again, several other candidates appeared reluctant to make Cleveland their first head coaching stop as well. The Browns are betting Monken can change that narrative. Whether he succeeds or ultimately views the job as a career misstep remains to be seen.
Continue reading...
