The Cleveland Browns officially have a new head coach. Todd Monken addressed the media on Tuesday afternoon for the first time as the 19th head coach in franchise history, and he left some interesting soundbites.
From admitting that Shedeur Sanders' status as QB1 is still "to be determined" to praising the coaching staff and thanking everybody who helped him throughout his journey, Monken shared some wisdom with those in attendance and watching online.
However, for all the things he said, it only took a couple of phrases for fans to realize the type of person and leader who's going to be in charge of the operation going forward.
Todd Monken just told the Browns it’s fourth-and-1 every single day
When asked about his vision for the team, the former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator sent a blunt and candid message: It's all going to be about hard work and accountability. Those who claim they want to win will be treated as such to prove whether they actually mean it.
"I think you have to hold the players accountable for what they say their dreams and aspirations are," the head coach said. "Everybody likes honesty until they don't like what's said while being honest."
Monken talked about how it takes a lot to put together a winning team in the National Football League. It might be his first time running the show, but he's seen it firsthand for years. He's learned that it takes people who are fully committed to a common goal. Those who are not, simply won't have a place in Cleveland.
“Not everybody wants to run into that smoke," Monken said. "Not everyone wants to look at it as if it's fourth-and-1 every day. And it is, iIt’s fourth-and-1 everyday.”
This is certainly refreshing. There weren't any empty words or promises of doing better, just one simple formula: Hard work, discipline, and — above all things — accountability. That's perhaps the thing this team had been missing the most for years now.
Monken has a reputation for building close relationships with his players, but that doesn't mean he's going to enable them. He knows the type of talent he has on the roster, and it's his responsibility to make sure they play up to that potential. Those who want it will thrive, and those who don't will probably spend a lot of time on the bench. That's coaching.