Did the Browns make a mistake by choosing Todd Monken as their new head coach? Former NFL player Emmanuel Acho said so, which set off a chain of angry reactions from experts and fans alike. 

On his live-streaming show, Speakeasy, Acho announced that setting expectations from Monken as a head coach would lead to disappointment. He further asked why anyone in the locker room, especially quarterback Shedeur Sanders, would listen to Monken. 

“If I'm Shedeur, why am I listening to Todd Monken? What have you won on an NFL level?”

Acho's take did not sit well with the Dawg Pound and Monken's fans. They rushed to criticize Acho, even going as far as posting a screenshot of his stats, only 22 sacks, from his time with the Eagles.

Some even argued that Sanders shouldn't listen to Acho, who had an unceremonious and controversial exit from the NFL.

Nevertheless, let's analyze why the fans might be right this time.

Monken's Impressive Track Record Builds a Strong Case for His New Position

In his first season as the Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator in 2023, quarterback Lamar Jackson won his second MVP award. The following year, the Ravens, for the first time, finished a season with their offense ranked at No.1.

The franchise also ranked first in the league for scoring 8,512 rushing yards and second in 19,860 scrimmage yards. The Ravens were third in points per game with 27.9.

And not to forget, his experience spans 37 years, 11 of which are for the NFL. So, fans are understandably angry with

Acho. Moreover, two-time Super Bowl champion Asante Samuel also shared his opinion: “This by far has to be one of the stupidest things you tell a player, besides quitting.”

Sanders and Monken's First Interaction

Monken reminded Sanders that the 23-year-old asked the Ravens not to draft him, and the two joked about the incident.

“Hey, we tried to draft your ass last year, for God’s sake. It’s all worked out. You remember that, right? Huh?” Monken said

To which Sanders laughed and replied: “That’s what I was about to tell you.”

Sanders is the Browns' starting quarterback until they announce otherwise. And with Monken's experience, Sanders could at last reach his full potential.

In a media interaction, Sanders stated is looking ahead and clamied doesn't even remember anything from that time.

“My response is I’m focused on the now. I don’t really talk about anything in the past. You wouldn’t believe my memory don’t even go back that far. I don’t remember anything (pre) draft. I remember I’m here, I go to practice every day, and there’s a 24-hour rule,” he said.

Maybe the Browns at last found the solution to their offensive problems. How will the 2026 season look with Monken in charge?

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Joyita Das