Todd Monken had quite the challenge when he was hired as the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns. And even though the season is very young and there is still plenty of time to come back down to Earth, the team is looking pretty impressive right now.
Monken appears to be a great fit for the Browns, and he is doing something that is required of all coaches: he is nurturing players, their talent, and helping them progress and grow.
Speaking on ESPN Cleveland, Tony Rizzo had nothing but good things to say about Monken and commented on his coaching abilities and how they have helped quarterback Deshaun Watson.
“They’re working together watching film, and Monken is asking him, ‘What do you see?’ Kids, guys, gals, that is coaching. Finally, we’ve got a guy who is developing players. I don’t know the last time I could say that about the Browns. I’m not knocking the other coaches that were here. You gotta do what your people do good, and Monken has figured that out. If Watson keeps improving, who knows where this team could go?” Rizzo said.
"That is coaching, finally we've got a guy who is developing players," – Rizz on Monken and Watson working so closely together. pic.twitter.com/zlNDprE5c0
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) October 8, 2026
During the offseason, Watson was seen as nothing more than an afterthought to millions of Browns fans. They felt that his chapter in Cleveland had come to an end and it was time to move on.
But Watson has rebounded in a fairly big way so far in 2026. He has proven many critics wrong and has helped the Browns achieve a 3-1 record. Monken received a lot of pushback in the offseason for his belief in Watson, but it seems to be well-placed and paying off.
However, it isn’t just Watson who is flourishing under Monken’s coaching. There are several younger players in the lineup who are off to a great start, such as Denzel Boston. Something about Monken, his vision, his personality, and his plans are working with this new-look Browns roster.
Monken repeatedly said that he had deep faith in his players and felt they could achieve more. After four weeks, he is showing that’s the truth. If Watson and others can keep playing well throughout 2026, Monken may have a job for the foreseeable future.
He entered a messy, complicated situation, and all of Cleveland’s problems aren’t solved yet, but the team looks to be pointed in the right direction, and Monken certainly deserves praise.
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