Locked On Browns - Daily Podcast On The Cleveland Browns

WORST HIRE?: Why Todd Monken Is Being OVERLOOKED | Could Cleveland Browns Go WORST to FIRST in 2026?

Feb 5, 2026
He defends Todd Monken’s résumé and questions whether he deserves the backlash. He breaks down how Cleveland ran a meticulous coaching search with interviews, tests, and reference checks. He compares this hiring class to others and weighs experience versus flash. He also considers whether the Browns could make a dramatic turnaround by 2026.
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INSIGHT

Monken's Resume Deserves More Respect

  • Todd Monken's resume and NFL/college success make him a more credible hire than many assume.
  • Spencer German argues distrust of the Browns skews perceptions more than Monken's actual qualifications.
INSIGHT

NFL Head Coach Tenure Is Often Short

  • Many new head coaches will only get one or two chances to succeed, making the hire cycle inherently risky.
  • Spencer notes longevity like Harbaugh or Tomlin is rare, so several hires may fail quickly.
INSIGHT

Browns Ran A Thoughtful, Unusual Hiring Process

  • The Browns intentionally ran a deep, nonstandard coach search to evaluate critical thinking and fit.
  • Spencer says the process aimed to measure references, assessments, interviews, and role-specific problem solving.
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