Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken is set to face off against the New York Jets this Sunday, a game that probably means a little something extra to him. Monken, currently navigating his very first NFL head-coaching gig at 60 years old, was actually passed over by the Jets for their top job back in 2019, when he was the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. New York instead hired former Miami Dolphins head coach Adam Gase, a move that turned into an outright disaster for the Jets, who posted a dismal 9-23 record and reportedly found Gase unpopular with his players.
“Mercedes” Mentality After the Snub
Asked about that 2019 job application experience, Monken was clear there were no hard feelings, but he did recall some crucial advice from a Jets executive that stuck with him. “I really enjoyed it. Didn’t work out. Didn’t work out that time,” Monken reflected. He then shared a gem: “Someone told me this a while ago, and I’m very humble, so please don’t take this the wrong way. Actually, someone from the Jets organization told me this, now that I’m going to mention it. 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. It doesn’t matter how good a Mercedes you are. If they want the other, there’s nothing you can do about it. Right? That doesn’t mean you’re not capable.’” It’s fair to say “Lexus” is a pretty generous term for what Gase turned out to be in New York. The decision between Monken and Gase reportedly split the Jets front office, despite Monken apparently “crushing” his interviews.
A Wild Path to Redemption
Instead of taking the Jets job, Monken landed as the Browns’ offensive coordinator under Freddie Kitchens but was fired after just one season. Then he went back to the college ranks, where he absolutely dominated, winning two national championships as Georgia’s offensive coordinator. He then spent three years with the Baltimore Ravens as OC under John Harbaugh. Now back with the Browns as their head coach, Monken has led the team to a surprising 3-1 record this season, absolutely blowing past the rock-bottom expectations folks had for them. Monken credits this winding road, saying, “There are things I certainly could have improved, interview and all those things. But ultimately, [the Jets] chose a different model, and that was their choice. I’ve been very lucky throughout my career to have a lot of really good jobs and be around a lot of really good coaches and great players, and that have helped me get a lot better as I’ve grown as a coach. I really appreciated them interviewing me.”
Meanwhile, Adam Gase is also back in a full-time football job this season, his first since being fired by the Jets in 2021. He was hired by Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh as passing game specialist in February. The Chargers are currently 0-4, with Pro Bowl quarterback Justin Herbert putting up some of the worst numbers of his career. Talk about a contrast.
This Sunday’s game for Monken isn’t just another matchup; it’s a chance to show the Jets exactly what kind of Mercedes they missed out on, especially given how Gase’s career trajectory continues to, well, exist. Bet Monken’s ready to put on a show.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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