Browns' Todd Monken Reveals Honest Quote From Jets Exec After 2019 HC Interview

Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken disclosed the message that he received from a New York Jets executive after interviewing for the team's head coaching vacancy in 2019.

"Actually, someone from the Jets organization told me this now that I'm going to mention it," Monken told reporters Friday (0:07 mark). "It was one of the guys that were in the interview process and he said, 'Don't ever forget that you're a Mercedes. When you look in the mirror, you can't control if they want a Lexus.'"

"That doesn't mean you're not capable," he added. "It's like all of us when you go through interviews. You go through certain stages and you're like, 'You know what? There's things I certainly could have improved, interview and all those things. But ultimately, they chose a different model, and that was their choice.'"

The Jets ended up hiring Adam Gase as their head coach in 2019.

Gase was eventually fired after compiling a 9-23 record across two seasons with the team.

At the time Monken interviewed for the Jets' job opening, he was coming off his third consecutive season as offensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Buccaneers owned the NFL's No. 12 scoring offense during their 2018 campaign with Monken, averaging 24.8 points per game.

After New York brought in Gase, Monken was hired by the Browns as their offensive coordinator in 2019.

He spent one season in Cleveland before joining Georgia as the school's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, remaining with the Bulldogs from 2020-22.

Monken eventually returned to the NFL level in 2023, becoming offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens. He helped the Ravens put together several high-powered offenses during his tenure, including a 2024 squad that averaged a league-leading 424.9 total yards per game.

Monken stayed with Baltimore for three seasons until he was hired as head coach of the Browns on Jan. 28.

Cleveland has opened its 2026 campaign on a high note, sitting at 3-1 after posting a 5-12 record last year.

The Browns' offense has steadily progressed this season, as their scoring total has increased with each week. This includes a 27-point performance in a Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

▶️ Full Steelers-Browns Recap

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As for the Jets, they're currently in their second year with Aaron Glenn patrolling the sidelines. New York owns a 4-17 record under Glenn, while the team has gone 1-3 over its first four games in 2026.

The Browns and Jets are set to face off on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.