Todd Monken Recalls Jets Rejection Ahead of Browns Matchup

Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken has revisited his unsuccessful interview with the New York Jets in 2019, recalling advice from a team executive that helped him put the rejection into perspective. Speaking to reporters Friday, October 9, 2026, Monken discussed the experience ahead of Sunday's game against the Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.

Monken, 60, interviewed for New York's head coaching vacancy while serving as offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Jets ultimately selected Adam Gase, who finished his tenure with a 9-23 record over two seasons, according to the supplied reports.

Monken described how a member of the Jets organization who participated in the interview process offered him a comparison intended to separate his professional worth from the team's hiring decision.

"Don't ever forget that you're a Mercedes. When you look in the mirror, you can't control if they want a Lexus." Monken recalled the executive's advice.

The message helped Monken recognize that an organization's preference for another candidate did not necessarily reflect his coaching ability. He acknowledged that interviews offer opportunities for improvement while emphasizing that the final decision belonged to the hiring team.

"That doesn't mean you're not capable," Monken said, explaining that candidates can identify areas to improve while accepting that an organization may choose someone else.

After missing out on the Jets position, Monken joined Cleveland as offensive coordinator in 2019 under head coach Freddie Kitchens. He spent one season with the Browns before moving to the University of Georgia, where he served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2020 through 2022.

Monken later returned to the NFL in 2023 as offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens under John Harbaugh. According to the supplied reports, Baltimore averaged an NFL-leading 424.9 total yards per game in 2024 during his tenure.

The Browns hired Monken as head coach on January 28, 2026, giving him his first NFL head coaching opportunity. His path to the position included experience with several coaching staffs and players across both professional and college football.

Reflecting on his development since the 2019 interview, Monken credited the opportunities he received throughout his career with helping him grow as a coach.

"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." Monken said.

Cleveland entered the 2026 season's opening weeks with a 3-1 record, a notable improvement from its 5-12 finish in 2025. The Browns scored 27 points in their Week 4 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, while their scoring output increased in each of their first four games, according to the supplied reports.

New York, meanwhile, entered its second season under head coach Aaron Glenn with a 1-3 record in 2026. The Jets had gone 4-17 overall under Glenn through their first four games of the season, setting the stage for Sunday's meeting with Cleveland.