Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken nearly brought a legend back into the building.
Monken was eyeing Hall of Famer Joe Thomas for a role on his staff after being hired. Thomas graciously declined the opportunity to join the staff, explaining that he was not ready to make the daily commitment the job required. However, Monken made it clear that the Hall of Fame left tackle has a standing invitation to work with the team.
“When I was interviewing for the job, and then when I got the job, I had reached out to Joe,” Monken said. “Joe obviously played for George Warhop as well, and I said, ‘Hey, we’ve got a spot for you if you want to help us coach.’
“He said, ‘I’d love to coach, but I don’t think I want to commit to an everyday contract.’ I said that’s fine — anytime you want to come out here and help our guys, you’re more than welcome. And we certainly would welcome that.”
Thomas may have shut down a full-time return, but he has remained involved with the Browns. He attended training camp and spent time with rookie offensive tackle Spencer Fano, the No. 9 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. He also interviewed Fano, drawing a fun reaction from the 21-year-old.
“This is crazy. I’m sitting next to one of my heroes right now. You’re making me kinda nervous,” Fano said.
Joe Thomas Still Has Strong Connection With Browns
GettyTackle Joe Thomas #73 of the Cleveland Browns talks to his teammates prior to the start against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 29, 2013 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Thomas’ relationship with offensive line coach George Warhop helped spark Monken’s offer. Warhop previously coached Cleveland’s offensive line from 2009- 13. Thomas earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in each of those five seasons and has credited Warhop with helping elevate his game.
“George Warhop had a big impact on my career as a player,” Thomas said after retiring. “He helped me take my game to the next level.”
Monken brought Warhop back to Cleveland after the two worked together with the Baltimore Ravens. Warhop inherited a rebuilt Browns offensive line that includes Fano and veteran additions Tytus Howard, Elgton Jenkins and Zion Johnson. Adding Thomas to that coaching operation would have given Cleveland another valuable resource. He started all 167 games during his 11-year career and played an NFL-record 10,363 consecutive snaps before suffering a triceps injury in 2017.
Thomas was selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his first 10 seasons and earned six first-team All-Pro honors. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023.
Browns Still Sorting Out Starting Offensive Line
The Browns have floated a potential reorganization of their offensive line to put their best players on the field. It would involve moving Howard inside to right guard and returning Dawand Jones to right tackle.
Jones has started at both tackle spots for Cleveland but has finished each of his first three seasons on injured reserve. Moving him back into the lineup would give the Browns a massive 6-foot-8 presence on the right side, while Howard’s experience at guard gives the unit more flexibility.
Center is another moving piece. Elgton Jenkins has handled the job with the first team for the most part so far, but Luke Wypler and rookie Parker Brailsford are also in the mix. If either wins the position, Jenkins could shift to right guard and create another version of Cleveland’s starting five.
Browns Legend Shut Down Return Under Monken