Back in January, the Cleveland Browns stunned fans by hiring former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as head coach. The move sparked fierce backlash from the fanbase, but six months later, a Browns legend is firmly backing Cleveland's controversial decision.

During a recent conversation with SI contributor Noah Olson and At The Office co-host Erik Williams, former 1964 Browns champion Lowell Caylor said he is not only pleased with Todd Monken's appointment but also has high expectations for the new head coach.

“I got a feeling that the people they have in place now are going to do a better job. I’m really excited about what I think Todd Monken can do. I love his approach and the way he handles stuff,” said Caylor.

As a member of the Browns' 1946 championship team, Caylor wants the franchise to return to its glory days and told SI contributor Noah Olson and At The Office co-host Erik Williams that he believes Monken can succeed where many others couldn't.

“You don’t have to wonder where he stands on anything. I think he is going to bring a totally different culture to this team, so I’m excited to see how they do this year,” said the legend.

According to Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot, the team wants him to build the offense for the future, not win a Super Bowl immediately.

“That’s why they hired him. That’s why they’re paying him $10 million a year over five years,” she said at the latest Orange and Brown Talk podcast on July 26. “They’re giving him $50 million to go out there and show them some offense.”

Wide receivers like KC Concepcion, Denzel Boston, Isaiah Bond, and running back Quinshon Judkins offer plenty of promise, but potential alone won’t win early-season games.

Monken's challenge will be turning young talent into consistent production.

NFL insiders are convinced Todd Monken can pull it off

In the Orange and Brown podcast, Dan Labbe highlighted that what makes Monken so unique is that his coaching philosophy differs significantly from most others. He adapts much more quickly than his peers.

On top of that, he understands offense and builds it around what his players can actually do, rather than what the playbook says they should do.

Cleveland.com insider Ashly Bastock said the Browns' most important storyline this season is player development.

“That development of these young guys is really going to be key because you think about these last two draft classes and I mean, the Browns have to hope that there are numerous franchise sort of players in here,” she said on the podcast.

The Browns are now loaded with young talent eager to showcase their abilities, and it will be Monken's responsibility to help them reach their full potential.

With that said, what are your thoughts on the new head coach?

Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community!

Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi