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Browns coach Todd Monken discusses mental process of getting rejected by Jets for Adam Gase in 2019

Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken is set to face the New York Jets this Sunday in a matchup with personal history, after he interviewed for the Jets’ head-coaching vacancy in 2019. At the time, Monken was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator, but the team ultimately hired Adam Gase, who went on to post a 9-23 record in two seasons before being fired in 2021.

Reflecting on the experience, Monken shared that he took the rejection with humility, recalling advice from a Jets executive who compared the process to choosing between a Mercedes and a Lexus—emphasizing that capability doesn’t guarantee selection if the fit isn’t right. Monken’s coaching journey since then has included two national championships as Georgia’s offensive coordinator and three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens under John Harbaugh, before the Browns hired him last offseason.

Under his leadership, Cleveland has defied expectations with a 3-1 start this season. Meanwhile, Gase has returned to full-time coaching as the Los Angeles Chargers’ passing game specialist, though the team’s 0-4 record and Justin Herbert’s struggles have overshadowed his role so far.

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