To the surprise of absolutely no one, Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken was asked about Shedeur Sanders during his introductory press conference on Tuesday.
Sanders, the 144th overall pick from the 2025 NFL Draft, finished his rookie season with 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Although he didn't exactly light up the boxscore in Cleveland, a new coaching staff could potentially get the best out of him. That is, of course, if he's willing to learn from Monken.
When the Browns hired Monken last week, former Fox Sports personality Emmanuel Acho suggested that Sanders shouldn’t listen to his new coach. No, we're not kidding.
“Nothing about Todd Monken as a head man gets me excited. I need to see who the offensive coordinator is going to be. That’s what I need to see,” Acho said. “If I’m Shedeur or anybody in that locker room, why am I listening to Todd Monken? What have you won on the NFL level as a head coach? You’re not even a head coach on an NFL level. So I don’t even have expectations for Shedeur under Todd Monken, because I believe any expectations I would have, he would not meet. Because why am I excited about it?”
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Clearly, Sanders didn't listen to Acho's ridiculous advice. He had a face-to-face meeting with Monken last Friday. Does that mean he'll be the starter for the Browns? Not exactly.
During this afternoon's press conference, Monken said it's too early to name Sanders the Week 1 starter for Browns.
"That is to be determined," Monken said. "I am excited to coach all of the quarterbacks in the room this year."
Is the future bright for Shedeur?
Earlier this week, Sanders was asked about Cleveland's new coaching staff. He sounded pretty optimistic about Monken, who helped Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson win MVP during the 2023 season.
"It's truly great that he was able to coach Lamar and he was able to accomplish everything he was able to accomplish in his life and his career," Sanders said. "I feel like we definitely have a connection just from talking to him, just seeing his vibe. He has a great vibe about him."
Only time will tell if Monken is the right coach to maximize Sanders' potential.