Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston has experience playing under Todd Monken and feels he’s a perfect fit for the franchise.
Monken was the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers while Winston was the quarterback from 2016-18. Winston completed 871 of 1,387 passing attempts for 10,586 passing yards and 43 touchdowns in 40 career games over those three seasons.
“Todd Monken is a tough, exciting coach that believes in empowering his players,” Winston said, via a release from the Browns. “I am so grateful to see his hard work and dedication payoff with him being the head football coach for the Cleveland Browns. One inspirational quote and actually a mentality that Coach Monk invited our offense to adopt was, ‘Everything Matters’ and that obsession over every meeting and every play allowed us to have success.
“With his leadership and passion for every little detail will align perfectly with a hungry fan base who loves their team no matter what and an exciting young roster ready to make a difference in Cleveland.”
Monken was a dark horse for the job, but he brings 37 years of coaching experience at the collegiate and professional level.
Browns Coach Todd Monken Gets Backing From John Harbaugh
Monken’s former bosses also backed him after he landed the Browns head coaching job — including John Harbaugh, who parted ways with the Baltimore Ravens this offseason and is now with the New York Giants.
“Todd is an outstanding coach,” Harbaugh said. “He was invaluable in what we did the past three years in Baltimore. He deserves this opportunity and I believe he will be successful. Todd is a good friend. I wish him all the best with the Browns.”
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart echoed similar praise. Monken spent three seasons as Georgia’s offensive coordinator and helped lead the Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships.
“Todd brought an exceptional level of professionalism and creativity to our program. His ability to develop quarterbacks and craft game plans tailored to our players’ strengths was instrumental to our success. What we accomplished wouldn’t have been possible without his impact.”
Browns Dealing With Fallout From Todd Monken Hire
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing for the Browns since hiring Todd Monken. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz — a finalist for the job — appears to be on his way out after being passed over. Cleveland had prioritized keeping Schwartz on staff, but the veteran coach was reportedly upset about being overlooked for the head coaching role.
“Despite being under contract with the Browns, Schwartz is so displeased that he does not plan to return to the team,” The Athletic reported.
Under Schwartz, the Browns finished last season allowing the fourth-fewest total yards per game (283.6) and the third-fewest passing yards per game (167.2). They also recorded 53 sacks — a franchise record — and tied for second in the NFL with eight defensive touchdowns.
Schwartz’s potential departure creates questions for the Browns’ elite unit, which includes Pro Bowlers Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward. Garrett didn’t seem pleased with the idea of Schwartz leaving, putting out a cryptic social media post.
Ex-Browns QB Speaks Out on Todd Monken Hire