First-year Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken seems a natural fit for a franchise that has secured only three playoff appearances in the past twenty-five years. However, his initiation into the NFL's coaching fraternity hit an unexpected snag at the league meetings in Phoenix this week.
A Costly Haircut Timing Error
Monken, aged 60, was slated to participate in the traditional group photograph with all thirty-two NFL head coaches. Eager to look his best for the annual snapshot, he decided to get a fresh haircut beforehand. Exiting a midday coaches' meeting, Monken slipped out for a trim, only to realise his mistake shortly after.
As detailed by Cleveland.com reporter Mary Kay Cabot, Monken returned from the barber and encountered Jacksonville Jaguars coach Liam Cohen, who informed him the photo had already been taken. Cabot noted the day's agenda correctly listed the photo session for noon Pacific time, a detail Monken apparently overlooked.
In total, thirty of the NFL's thirty-two head coaches posed for the picture on Monday. Monken later joked with reporters that this mishap gives him extra motivation to reach a second season with the Browns, so he can finally make his debut in the annual coaches' portrait.
Notably, Monken was not the only absentee. Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay was also missing from the photo, though his reasons remain unexplained at this time.
Navigating a Complex Quarterback Competition
Monken's off-field misstep comes as he prepares to tackle a challenging on-field situation in Cleveland. The Browns face a crowded quarterback room, with Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Dillon Gabriel all expected to vie for the starting position.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Monken indicated he would not necessarily distribute practice snaps equally among the three during next month's offseason workouts in Berea, Ohio.
"I wouldn't say they're going to be evenly dispersed, but we'll definitely disperse them to give ourselves a chance to at least evaluate who we have on the roster, whoever that might be as we go through the offseason," Monken stated.
Regarding starter repetitions, Monken remained coy. "You'd love to be able to come out of the spring with a depth chart," he said. "That doesn't mean there's still not competition. But I do think you have to narrow the reps or at least balance up the reps of who you anticipate has come out of the spring certainly in a position to be a starter."
Watson's Rocky Road and Sanders' Unlikely Rise
As previously reported by Cleveland.com, Monken has expressed interest in Watson, whose career has been marred by sexual misconduct allegations, inconsistent performances, and significant injuries. Watson has settled twenty-seven lawsuits with women who accused him of inappropriate behaviour during massage sessions. He is also recovering from not one, but two ruptured Achilles tendons.
Watson has not completed a full season since 2020. However, Cabot reported that the former Clemson and Houston Texans star showed promising form when he began practicing in December. With the Browns, Watson holds a 9-10 record as a starter and has been sacked on nearly twelve percent of his dropbacks.
Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders experienced a rollercoaster rookie season in Cleveland. Initially projected as a first-round pick, he fell to the fifth round in the 2025 NFL Draft. After receiving public support from former President Donald Trump, Sanders made seven starts, posting a 3-4 record.
Despite throwing ten interceptions against only seven touchdowns, Sanders earned an unlikely Pro Bowl selection as a rookie. His emergence adds another layer to the Browns' quarterback puzzle.
Offensive Overhaul on the Horizon
The Browns' defense ranked fourth in yards allowed last season, but the offense was among the league's worst, outperforming only one other team. Consequently, an offensive overhaul is anticipated under Monken, who joins Cleveland after serving as offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens.
Monken's tenure begins with a blend of off-field humour and on-field complexity, as he seeks to steer the Browns toward greater success while managing a high-stakes quarterback competition and integrating his offensive philosophy.
