The Cleveland Browns’ announcement of the hiring of their new head coach, Todd Monken, created plenty of debate across the league.
One of the biggest question marks has surrounded quarterback Shedeur Sanders and how this will impact his future. One former player offered an interesting perspective.
How Should Shedeur Sanders Feel About the Browns Hiring Todd Monken?
A few days ago, ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported that the Browns were finalizing a deal with Monken, the Baltimore Ravens former offensive coordinator, to become their next Head Coach. Monken was a surprising candidate despite being an integral part of the Ravens’ success in recent years.
Former NFL Player Emmanuel Acho suggested on the “Speakeasy” podcast that Sanders and other Browns players should question the addition of the new head coach. Acho, a former NFL player, said Monken’s lack of head coaching experience in the NFL could make it hard for him to earn credibility in the locker room.
“Any expectation for Shedeur Sanders under Todd Monken, I believe, will lead to disappointment,” said Acho. “There is nothing about Todd Monken as a head coach that should get you excited.”
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Acho acknowledged that Monken could be called a quality offensive coordinator. In his first season with quarterback Lamar Jackson, he won his second MVP award, and Baltimore’s offense improved significantly.
Unfortaunely the 2025 season saw them hampered by injuries. According to PFSN’s Offense Impact Metric, the Ravens had the 20th-ranked offense in the NFL, finishing with an 8-9 record. The hiring of Monken confused some, with NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reporting that defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz “was upset at being passed over for HC and told coaches he doesn’t plan on staying in Cleveland.”
“What I don’t yet see is how Todd Monken is going to command that locker room, command that group of men? And also, if I’m Sheduer or anyone else in that locker room, why am I listening to Todd Monken? What have you won on an NFL level as a head coach? You’re not even a head coach on an NFL level.
“So I don’t even have expectations for Shedeur under Todd Monken because I believe that any expectations I might have, he will not meet,” continued Acho.
Acho focused on whether a first-time head coach can lead veteran players and earn their respect without having done the job before. It’s also important to note that Sanders is only entering his second season in pro football. PFSN’s QB Impact Metric had Shedur Sanders ranked as the 46th-ranked quarterback, behind 14 backup quarterbacks.
The former NFL player’s comments also touched on locker room dynamics, specifically how a young quarterback like Sanders might respond to the authority of someone without a proven track record in the top position. However, the same could be said about Ben Johnson, who signed his first head coaching contract last offseason and took the Bears and Caleb Williams to a playoff appearance.
While there is no way to guarantee success in the NFL, all eyes will once again be on Cleveland and Sanders as Monken tries to help him become an MVP.
