New Browns Coach Monken Wants Players to Avoid Distractions

Monken outlines his coaching philosophy focused on development and winning, aiming to eliminate anything that gets in the way.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:44pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football game or practice, with sharp geometric shapes in Browns colors representing the intense focus and discipline Monken aims to instill in his players.Monken's emphasis on eliminating distractions and maintaining a singular focus on development and winning could reshape the Browns' culture.Berea Today

In his first media session since being hired as the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns, Todd Monken emphasized his desire for his players to maintain a singular focus on football and avoid the distractions that have plagued the team in recent years. Monken said the team's priorities are player development and winning, and anything that interferes with those goals must be confronted and eliminated.

Why it matters

The Browns have struggled with off-field distractions for over two decades, leading to inconsistent on-field performance. Monken's no-nonsense approach signals a shift in the team's culture as he aims to get the franchise back on track towards sustained success.

The details

Monken, who was hired on January 30, met with the media on April 8 after the team's offseason program began. He outlined his coaching philosophy, saying 'We're in the development business and the winning business. And anything that gets in the way of those two things has to be confronted and eliminated.' Monken cited the team's recent history of distractions, including Baker Mayfield's shoulder injury, the Deshaun Watson trade, and the drafting of Shedeur Sanders, all of which contributed to four losing seasons in five years after the team made the playoffs in 2020.

  • Monken was hired as the new Browns head coach on January 30, 2026.
  • The Browns' offseason program began on April 7, 2026.
  • Monken met with the media on April 8, 2026 to outline his coaching philosophy.

The players

Todd Monken

The new head coach of the Cleveland Browns, hired on January 30, 2026.

Baker Mayfield

The former Browns quarterback who suffered a shoulder injury in 2021 that led to a falling out with former head coach Kevin Stefanski.

Deshaun Watson

The Browns' current quarterback who was acquired in a trade that caused a 'year-long distraction' for the team.

Shedeur Sanders

The Browns' 2025 draft pick whose selection was also a 'year-long distraction' for the team.

Myles Garrett

The Browns' star defensive player who has chosen to be absent from the voluntary offseason program.

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What they’re saying

“I wanted them to know what our goals are and what we're here for as coaches. We're in the development business and the winning business. And anything that gets in the way of those two things has to be confronted and eliminated. That's it.”

— Todd Monken, Head Coach, Cleveland Browns

“Winning changes everything. I told the coaches that the other day. Or playing well. How does a player stop the narrative? Play well. How do we stop a narrative on offense? Score. How do you stop a narrative of winning? Win. It's pretty simple. Right? I mean, is that not in life in general?”

— Todd Monken, Head Coach, Cleveland Browns

What’s next

The Browns will hold a three-day voluntary veteran minicamp the week of the NFL Draft, with the first practice open to the media on April 21. Monken will have to decide on the starting quarterback and offensive line before that practice.

The takeaway

Monken's no-nonsense approach and focus on development and winning signals a shift in the Browns' culture, as the team looks to move past the distractions that have plagued them for over two decades. His ability to instill discipline and eliminate outside noise will be crucial to the Browns' efforts to return to the playoffs and contend for a championship.