Many wished John Harbaugh would take the head coach job at the Cleveland Browns, but he picked the New York Giants instead. And he acknowledged having persuaded Todd Monken to ditch the Browns as well.

But Monken stuck to his decision. The former Baltimore Ravens’ offensive coordinator chose to coach the Browns despite holding Harbaugh and his opinions in high regard.

As per an X post by Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot, Monken praised Harbaugh and named him one of the two most influential people in terms of game-making.

“#Browns Todd Monken cites John Harbaugh and Kirby Smart as two of his biggest influences in the game. On Harbaugh, ”he is elite at messaging with the team,” she reported.

Monken and Harbaugh, former Ravens’ head coach, spent three seasons together in the franchise’s coaching staff. But even going their separate ways, Harbaugh was looking out for his former associate. 

He confessed to asking Monken any team but the Browns, well aware of Monken’s previous involvement with the franchise.

“I tried to talk him out of it… That’s my job, right?”  Harbaugh asked.

“I really thought he was coming with us, but Cleveland was in there all along. He’d been there before in 2019 as the offensive coordinator, so they knew him, and he wanted this opportunity. He got it, and I’m happy for him. I’m really proud of him, but we’ve got to go to work.”

Hiring Monken Has Not Reduced Challenges for the Browns

Instead, the decision has resulted in a lot of disappointment in the Dawg Pound. Many are unhappy that defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz was not made the head coach. 

What could have been an in-house hire of a person who is responsible for the team’s and the league’s best defensive unit was overshadowed by Monken. 

“My guess is Jim Schwartz would rather not work than be the DC of the Browns under Todd Monken,” Arnold Goldhammer, Browns expert, said on Tuesday.

Despite his long career and extensive experience spanning both professional and college football, Monken was not a pioneer. He is certainly not popular among fans at the moment. 

It is rumored that Schwartz is deeply upset with the decision and might retire. If true, Monken must improve the offence and prove he was worth all the trouble.

How it all pans out remains to be seen... Follow the Cleveland Browns Community to keep up!

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Joyita Das