Todd Monken Isn't Saying Much About Two Key Browns
Todd Monken, in a bit of a surprise move, is Kevin Stefanski's successor with the Cleveland Browns. He's taking over a tough job. One thing he wasn't initially going to have to do was find a defensive coordinator, but Jim Schwartz is likely on his way out after being passed over.
The thing Monken was going to have to do was either find a QB or develop Shedeur Sanders. With regard to the incumbent and the defensive coordinator issues, Monken isn't saying much at all as he begins his tenure.
Todd Monken is staying quiet
Todd Monken has reportedly spoken to Jim Schwartz, who is reportedly unhappy with the Browns for passing him over for the head coach position. The defensive coordinator is under contract, but it's unclear what his future holds. Monken said it would be "a little inappropriate" for him to comment about the coordinator's future.
Later on in his press conference, he circled back to Schwartz. "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," he said via ESPN. But I took it because of the players that are here, the ownership, (general manager) Andrew Berry, and the ability to build this roster from the ground up on the offensive side. (...) When I was preparing for the Cleveland Browns, I wasn't trying to chip Jim Schwartz. I was chipping Myles Garrett."
Schwartz was passed over for head coach in 2020 when the Browns hired Stefanski, and now he's been passed over a second time. He has made plain his desire to be a head coach again. He's under contract for one more season. It is, however, unclear what he'll be doing in 2026 and if it will be with the Browns.
It's all a bit messy for the Browns. Their defense has plenty of talent, but Schwartz's coaching certainly helped. If Monken has to find his own defensive coordinator, at this late stage in the process, it would not be a surprise if he found someone worse. Then, it wouldn't be surprising if that defense took a step back in 2026.
No word on QB1 role
The incumbent starter in Cleveland is Shedeur Sanders, but that's largely just because he finished the season. After being benched, Dillon Gabriel is likely on the outs. DeShaun Watson is technically in play, but the Browns probably do not want to turn back to him.
They could draft someone or acquire a quarterback on the trade market. They may sign a veteran, like Daniel Jones or Aaron Rodgers, in free agency. There are options, though none of them are terribly inspiring right now.
With the roster as it is, Monken did not name a QB1, saying that it is "still to be determined." However, he did address Sanders and his role on the team without saying anything definitive. It was his first head coach use of coach speak.
"Am I excited about Shedeur (Sanders)?" Am I excited about all the quarterbacks in the room? Am I excited to coach this football team? Absolutely," Monken said. "I can't wait for them to get back and for us to get started."
Sanders underwhelmed after sliding in the draft to the fifth round. The Browns were a tough situation for any quarterback, let alone a late-round rookie who was installed partway through the season. Joe Flacco was decent, but after he was traded, neither Gabriel nor Sanders had any success.
It may be that Sanders needs a little more help or that a full offseason will bring him up to speed, but for now, he's not even the definitive starter.
