After the Cleveland Browns announced Todd Monken as their new head coach, many critics raised doubts over his capabilities. And broadcaster Ross Tucker is not tolerating the negative chatter about him. 

Tucker appeared on the Ultimate Cleveland Talk Show and stated two reasons as to why Monken was the right choice. He began by saying that Monken is an “incredible person” and straightforward, who will tell things as they are.

He shared his experience with the veteran coach and showered him in praises for his honesty.

“In my time around him, production meetings or talking to him on the field before game, he is very much a straight shooter,” said Tucker.

“Will he always be like that? I don’t know. But he tells you exact. I mean, I say something like, ‘Mark Andrews not getting the ball.’ And he’s like ‘yeah.’ He’s not happy and he shouldn’t be. ‘I wouldn’t be happy if I was a star and not getting the ball.’”

But More Importantly, Monken Has a Proven and Lengthy Successful Track Record

His career spans across college and professional football. To point out Monken’s impact on all the teams he’s been associated with, Tucker was lost in a long rant. Contrary to popular opinion, the 59-year-old was a head coach before he joined the Browns. But in on the collegiate level. 

“By the way, he’s actually been a head coach before,” Tucker stated. 

“Back at Southern Mississippi, and they were 0 and 12. And a couple of years later, he’s the Conference USA Coach of the Year, and they win nine games.”

When Monken took charge of the college in 2013, the program had given its all-time worst performance, which resulted in a 0-12 record. However, the Golden Eagles recovered and made a 9-5 record, won the Conference USA West Division title.

They also appeared in the Heart of Dallas Bowl in 2015, Monken last year with them. In his two-year stint, he coached Nick Mullens, who is now a backup quarterback in the NFL.

To further cement his point, Tucker stated that between 2020 and 2022, he improved Georgia’s offense as the unit’s coordinator and catapulted them into winning the national title in 2021 and 2022. 

“Geogia’s offence always stung. He goes there, he gets walk-on Stetson Bennett to be the two-time national champion,” he argued. 

Tucker followed up by saying that Monken made the most out of two-time MVP Lamar Jackson’s potential. 

“You guys know this. Lamar never played as well throwing the football as he did. 23 MVP. So I love Monken as a person and a coach,” he said. 

After he arrived at the Baltimore Ravens in 2023 as their offensive coordinator, the franchise’s offense stats skyrocketed with Lamar winning his second honor that year.

With a 13-4-0 record and a playoff appearance, the Ravens recorded 28.4 points per game and 55 touchdowns for 6542 yards. 

Tucker followed up by saying that he appreciates whoever pitched to hire Monken, franchise owner Jimmy Haslam, or general manager Andrew Berry. 

The Browns have stirred another controversy with this decision. But what is your opinion on Monken? Do you think he's being judged unfairly?

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Joyita Das