Browns' Myles Garrett Kept in Loop on Todd Monken Hire

All-Pro defensive end didn't publicly comment, but team says he knew about new head coach before announcement.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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Cleveland Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett was kept informed about the team's search for a new head coach and the eventual hiring of Todd Monken, according to team owner Jimmy Haslam and general manager Andrew Berry. While Garrett hasn't made any public statements about Monken's hiring, the team says he was aware of the news before it was announced.

Why it matters

Garrett is the Browns' best player and a key leader on the team, so keeping him informed and engaged during the coaching search was likely important for maintaining team morale and buy-in. The team is clearly counting on Garrett to continue his dominant play under the new coaching staff.

The details

Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said he and managing partner JW Johnson III spoke with "30 to 40 players" after firing Kevin Stefanski, but did not have direct contact with players during the actual coaching search. However, GM Andrew Berry said they kept Garrett "abreast of the process throughout" and that Garrett "knew the news before you all did." New head coach Todd Monken also praised Garrett's abilities, saying he's "evolved" as a player and is a challenge for any offense to scheme against.

  • Garrett posted an Instagram story about 11 hours after Monken's hiring on January 28.
  • Monken's introductory press conference was held on February 3.

The players

Myles Garrett

The Cleveland Browns' All-Pro defensive end who is coming off a record-setting 23-sack season.

Todd Monken

The new head coach of the Cleveland Browns, hired on January 28.

Jimmy Haslam

The owner of the Cleveland Browns.

Andrew Berry

The general manager of the Cleveland Browns.

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What they’re saying

“I love Myles. I haven't talked to him since the day after the season, but I'm highly confident Myles will come in here and break the sack record again and be the defensive player (of the year). He hasn't been named it, but I'll be shocked if he isn't. And he will be a leader of our team.”

— Jimmy Haslam, Owner, Cleveland Browns (beaconjournal.com)

“Yeah, I didn't see it to be honest. We kept Myles abreast of the process throughout, so he, Myles, knew the news before you all did. Myles is a great team player and we're not worried about that.”

— Andrew Berry, General Manager, Cleveland Browns (beaconjournal.com)

“Well, when I was here for that short period, I would say that I didn't know Myles very well, other than I loved his personality, I loved his charisma. I mean, always a smile on his face. At that time I thought, 'holy cow, this guy runs like a wideout, this guy looks like a skill player.' I mean, this guy is elite, and he's always had it in him.”

— Todd Monken, Head Coach, Cleveland Browns (beaconjournal.com)

What’s next

The Browns will announce the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year award on February 5, which is also Todd Monken's birthday. Myles Garrett is the presumptive favorite to win the award after his record-setting 23-sack season.

The takeaway

Keeping star players like Myles Garrett informed and engaged during a coaching change is crucial for maintaining team morale and buy-in. The Browns appear to have done that with Garrett, who is expected to continue his dominant play under new head coach Todd Monken.