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Daniel Oyefusi
BEREA, Ohio — Todd Monken is quickly assembling his staff as the Cleveland Browns’ new head coach, but it remains to be seen if it will include incumbent defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
Monken, speaking Tuesday during his introductory news conference, said he has spoken to Schwartz, who reportedly told people he is not returning to Cleveland after being passed over for the head coaching staff, but added that it would be «a little inappropriate for me to comment about that at this time.»
Later, Monken said: «I didn’t take this job because of Jim Schwartz. I have a lot of respect for Jim Schwartz, as I would hope he has for me. But I took it because of the players that are here, the ownership, [general manager] Andrew Berry, and the ability to build this roster from the ground up on the offensive side. … When I was preparing for the Cleveland Browns, I wasn’t trying to chip Jim Schwartz. I was chipping Myles Garrett.»
Shedeur Sanders, who went 3-4 as a starter in the final seven games of the season, as QB1, saying that is «still to be determined.»
«Am I excited about Shedeur [Sanders]?» Am I excited about all the quarterbacks in the room? Am I excited to coach this football team? Absolutely,» Monken said. «I can’t wait for them to get back and for us to get started.»
