Monken brings a long track record as an offensive coordinator, producing high-powered units for Jameis Winston in Tampa Bay and Lamar Jackson in Baltimore, with the Ravens and Buccaneers posting top-three offenses under his guidance. The hire adds decades of NFL experience, even if he isn’t viewed as the most inspiring choice in this cycle.
Emmanuel Acho critiqued the move on the Speakeasy podcast, questioning whether Monken can command the locker room and earn credibility with players like Shedeur Sanders, given his own lack of head-coaching experience in the NFL.
Acho’s take found even more resonance among some fans, who offered a lukewarm reception to the Browns’ decision, and reports indicated a few players would have preferred Jim Schwartz as head coach instead.
Shedeur Sanders’ status remains unresolved by GM Andrew Berry, though the rookie showed potential with 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions across eight starts, completing 56.6 percent of his passes. Berry signaled Sanders isn’t locked in as the Week 1 starter but suggested he could have a shot at QB1 in 2026.
Supporters of Monken point to his proven offensive impact—including Lamar Jackson’s MVP-worthy seasons and Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett winning two national championships under Monken—as reasons to be optimistic about Cleveland’s direction.
Source notes: This summary reflects coverage surrounding the Browns’ head-coaching decision, Emmanuel Acho’s remarks on Shedeur Sanders, and Todd Monken’s coaching background as reported by ClutchPoints.
