The New York Giants had a much more difficult offensive coordinator search than they had anticipated. Considering the team hired John Harbaugh as head coach, the expectation around the league was that Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken would take the same position with the Giants. But in a twist, Monken accepted the Cleveland Browns' head coaching opportunity.
Let's face it, Cleveland wasn't the most desirable destination in terms of coaching and having a chance to win. But given how rare it is to land a head coaching job, it's hard to blame Monken for accepting the opportunity. As of Monday, Monken should have a bit of regret.
Multiple reports indicated that the Browns traded superstar defensive lineman Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams in a deal that include pass rusher Jared Verse and a 2027 first-round pick. The single-season sacks leader is now out of Cleveland and onto a legitimate Super Bowl contender in Los Angeles.
Myles Garrett trade should have Todd Monken regretting passing up Giants job
Look, heading coaching jobs don't come around too often, so kudos to Monken for taking the one that was offered to him. Yet, not having Garrett on the roster will only make his first head coaching gig that much more miserable. Garrett is a legitimate game-wrecker and instantly makes your defense better.
For Monken, before the Garrett trade was reported, he said he was never given assurance by the team that the defensive star would be on the team at all this season. Yet, during his introductory press conference, he said he took the job because of the defensive players, general manager Andrew Berry, and the ownership group.
Sure, the Browns do have a solid enough core of defensive players, but it won't be as good without Garrett. Now, Monken will have to rely on Mason Graham taking the next step on the interior of the defensive line, with Verse helping along the edge. Add that to their quarterback situation with Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, the Browns may very well be a legitimate favorite to secure the No. 1 overall pick next year. And then, one has to wonder if Monken will be a one-and-done head coach.
As for the Giants, with Monken off the board, they hired former Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy to be their offensive coordinator. While not the most inspiring pick, the Giants did make some good additions on offense, such as tight end Isaiah Likely, wide receiver Darnell Mooney, fullback Patrick Ricard, wide receiver Calvin Austin, offenive tackle Francis Mauigoa and wide receiver Malachi Fields. With these additions, the Giants offense should be more improved.
Monken could have been Giants offensive coordinator if he wanted to. But he chose to head coach a team that would go on to trade their superstar a couple of months later.
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