New Browns Coach's Harsh Comments Resurface Amid Schwartz Resignation
The Cleveland Browns' decision to hire Todd Monken as their new head coach has come with a side of controversy, with the former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator making comments that have resurfaced following the resignation of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
Monken had previously stated during his opening press conference last month that he didn't take the job solely to coach alongside Schwartz. Instead, he expressed his respect for the departing coordinator and emphasized that his main motivations were the players, ownership, and the opportunity to build a roster from scratch on the offensive side.
However, it appears that Monken's true intentions were revealed in these comments, as they seem to imply that he was aware of the rift between him and Schwartz. When asked about the challenge of coaching alongside Schwartz, Monken stated that he wasn't trying to "chip" his former rival but rather focus on chipping Myles Garrett, one of the team's top players.
Schwartz's decision to resign following the 2025 season has added fuel to the fire surrounding Monken's hiring. The veteran coordinator had been instrumental in leading one of the league's best defenses for the past three seasons, including a dominant stretch where Cleveland allowed the fewest yards in the league.
Garrett, who won Defensive Player of the Year awards in both 2023 and 2025, was a key component of Schwartz's defensive unit. It remains to be seen how Monken will adapt his coaching style to work alongside Garrett, but it's clear that the new head coach has been handed a daunting task.
Monken's comments have sparked questions about his ability to build trust with his players and coaches, particularly in light of the tension surrounding his hiring. While he has expressed respect for Schwartz, his words also suggest that he is prepared to take on a leadership role without having to work alongside his former rival. Only time will tell if this decision will pay off for the Browns.
The Cleveland Browns' decision to hire Todd Monken as their new head coach has come with a side of controversy, with the former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator making comments that have resurfaced following the resignation of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
Monken had previously stated during his opening press conference last month that he didn't take the job solely to coach alongside Schwartz. Instead, he expressed his respect for the departing coordinator and emphasized that his main motivations were the players, ownership, and the opportunity to build a roster from scratch on the offensive side.
However, it appears that Monken's true intentions were revealed in these comments, as they seem to imply that he was aware of the rift between him and Schwartz. When asked about the challenge of coaching alongside Schwartz, Monken stated that he wasn't trying to "chip" his former rival but rather focus on chipping Myles Garrett, one of the team's top players.
Schwartz's decision to resign following the 2025 season has added fuel to the fire surrounding Monken's hiring. The veteran coordinator had been instrumental in leading one of the league's best defenses for the past three seasons, including a dominant stretch where Cleveland allowed the fewest yards in the league.
Garrett, who won Defensive Player of the Year awards in both 2023 and 2025, was a key component of Schwartz's defensive unit. It remains to be seen how Monken will adapt his coaching style to work alongside Garrett, but it's clear that the new head coach has been handed a daunting task.
Monken's comments have sparked questions about his ability to build trust with his players and coaches, particularly in light of the tension surrounding his hiring. While he has expressed respect for Schwartz, his words also suggest that he is prepared to take on a leadership role without having to work alongside his former rival. Only time will tell if this decision will pay off for the Browns.
I'm a bit concerned about Monken's approach here... it seems like he's trying to put on a good face, but his comments do come across as pretty calculated. He talks about focusing on Garrett, but isn't that kinda implying that he was trying to one-up Schwartz? 
It's not that hard to imagine how that could create tension in the locker room. And Schwartz was a total rockstar for this team - what's Monken gonna bring to the table now that his old rival is gone? 
The team needs to figure out how to get the most out of their top player and make sure everyone is on the same page.
It might take some time for Garrett to adjust, but if Monken can build trust with him, they could be unstoppable. 
But if it doesn't work out... 
. Meanwhile, teams with coaches from Schwartz' mold have seen significant improvement 
. I'm still rooting for Myles Garrett to thrive under Monken but 70% chance of him having a disappointing season 
. Can't wait for the numbers game to reveal more 
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like he says he has nothing but love for schwartz during press conference and now we find out he was trying to one-up him? 
his comments are straight fire 
and it's a red flag for me, like how's he gonna build trust with the team if he's already got an agenda? 
plus swartz just resigned because of monken's hiring lol what a mess! 
i'm low-key worried about garrett tho... will monken be able to adapt his coaching style or is it gonna be a total disaster? 
. I mean, it seems like he's trying to play it cool, but it's clear that there was already some tension between him and Schwartz. And now with Schwartz gone, I'm not sure if Monken is gonna be able to build a strong team culture from scratch. Myles Garrett is definitely a key player, but can Monken really adapt his coaching style to get the best out of him? 
It's an interesting dynamic to watch unfold...
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. The Browns are gonna need some magic to make this season happen 
. On a side note, has anyone seen the latest Apple Watch? I just got mine and it's been a game-changer for tracking my fitness goals 
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Garrett's gonna be tough to coach 
and not play both sides 
But, only time will tell 
will Monken pull off the magic 
or is this just a recipe for disaster 
. If he was trying to reassure Schwartz that he wasn't after him, then his words were kinda backhanded 
He said he respected Schwartz and didn't want to "chip" him (lol, chip Myles Garrett) but it sounds like he was just trying to downplay their differences. I mean, can't be all bad if Schwartz is willing to leave? 
. I mean, come on, dude, you're the head coach now! You gotta learn to put your differences aside and work together as a team. It's not like Schwartz is going anywhere, he's still getting paid by the Browns! The fact that Monken knew about the rift between them before taking the job just raises more questions about his leadership skills. Can't say I'm optimistic about this hire... 
