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Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward with defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward became one of the first players to publicly react to Todd Monken’s hiring, saying he’s excited about what the veteran coach can do for an offense that struggled last season.
After an extensive coaching search, the Browns ultimately chose Monken to replace two-time Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski. Monken brings nearly four decades of coaching experience across the college and NFL levels, most recently serving as the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive coordinator for the past three seasons. However, the Cleveland job marks the first NFL head coaching opportunity of his career.
“I’ve seen some stats on how he’s helped Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry,” Ward said during an appearance on ESPN. “They’ve had some of their best seasons under Todd Monken. I’m just looking forward to us having an amazing offense.”
Ward also understood the reasoning behind the hire, noting the Browns’ offense never found its footing last season, ranking near the bottom of the league in every major category. Cleveland managed just 262.1 yards and 16.4 points per game.
“We kinda struggled on that end of the field when we were out there during the season,” Ward said. “But I’m just looking forward to playing better, and all of us playing better together — and looking forward to him being our new head coach.”
Browns DE Myles Garrett Still Silent on Monken Hire
Ward was among the players to back defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz for a head coaching job at the end of last season’s 5-12 campaign. Schwartz was overlooked for the job in favor of Monken and reportedly stormed out of the building after being informed of the news. He’s under contract for next season but his status is uncertain.
Schwartz has resided over the Browns’ elite unit for the past three seasons. Cleveland finished last season ranked No. 4 in the NFL in yards allowed per game (283.6).
“I have so much love and respect for coach Schwartz,” Ward said. “I would highly recommend coach Schwartz for a head coaching job here, definitely. … He’s helped my game tremendously, puts us in great position, great leader. I can’t say enough great things about him, but I think he’s a guy who you want in a coach and somebody to lead a team.”
Another player who publicly backed Schwartz is superstar pass-rusher Myles Garrett. He has yet to comment on the hire, providing just a cryptic meme on social media since the hire. Garrett also pulled out of the Pro Bowl, meaning he may not be speaking to the media anytime soon.
Browns HC Todd Monken Meets With Shedeur Sanders
The first player Monken met with at the Browns’ facility after being hired was Pro Bowl-bound quarterback Shedeur Sanders. The two shared an embrace and a few words earlier in the week.
“Hey, we tried to draft your (expletive) last year, for God’s sake,” Monken said, referencing Sanders telling the Ravens not to draft him. “It’s all worked out. You remember that, right? Someday we’ll get a chance to talk about that.”
One of the first major decisions Schwartz will have to make is around Sanders and the quarterback position. Sanders started seven games as a rookie, passing for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The Browns have said they’ll explore all avenues this offseason to solidify the position. Dillon Gabriel and Deshaun Watson are also expected to be in the mix for Cleveland.
J.R. DeGroote JR DeGroote is a staff writer for Heavy.com, where he has covered the NFL, NBA, and trending sports stories since 2019. His work focuses on some of the most passionate fanbases in sports, including reporting on the Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Lakers. More about J.R. DeGroote
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