Browns insider addresses Jimmy Haslam, Andrew Berry takes about hiring of HC Todd Monken

Almost immediately after it was learned that the Cleveland Browns were hiring former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as their new head coach, reports suggested that Browns general manager Andrew Berry preferred either Los Angeles Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase or Cleveland defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz for the job but was overruled by team owner Jimmy Haslam. 

Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer insisted that the franchise's main decision makers were all on the same page regarding Monken. 

Browns had "strong No. 1 choice" for new head coach

"The truth is, Monken, 59, was the 'strong No. 1 choice' of everyone on the search committee, including Berry," Cabot wrote. "Granted, the Browns really liked Scheelhaase, 35, and believe he’ll be an excellent head coach someday, probably soon. But Monken was high on the list from the start, and Berry’s first choice — like everyone else’s — when the Browns made their decision on Tuesday among their three finalists of him, Scheelhaase and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. In fact, Monken, who brings a deep, strong and eclectic offensive resume, blew everyone away on the search committee throughout the entire interview process." 

A previous report detailed how the Browns asked Monken and other head-coaching candidates how they would develop quarterback Shedeur Sanders if hired. Thus, one would think that Sanders will be given at least a chance to compete for the starting job later this summer. 

Sanders went 3-4 as a starter and was named a Pro Bowl replacement despite being responsible for some of the worst overall stats produced by a QB1 during the regular season. 

Why did Browns hire Todd Monken over Jim Schwartz?

As for Schwartz, Cabot confirmed that the Browns want him to return as defensive coordinator after he reportedly said goodbyes to people within the club's facility once it was revealed that Monken emerged as the winner of the hiring process. 

"Schwartz, 59, came very close to getting the job, but the differentiator was Monken’s offensive experience and tremendous success everywhere he’s been at a time when the Browns’ No. 1 priority is to transform their offense," Cabot added. "In fact, the Browns believe that if Monken were 39 instead of 59 — he’s turning 60 on Thursday - most of the 10 teams needing coaches would’ve clamored for him. Instead, the Browns were the only team to interview him this cycle, and if they supply him with a winning quarterback, the other teams just might be kicking themselves."

It remains to be seen if such a quarterback is on Cleveland's roster this winter.