Todd Monken Recounts Jets' 'Lexus' Analogy After 2019 Coaching Snub
The Cleveland Browns head coach shared a peculiar piece of advice he received after not being hired by the New York Jets.
Todd Monken, currently the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, recalled a unique piece of advice he received after interviewing for the New York Jets' head coaching position in 2019. The Jets ultimately hired Adam Gase, and Monken was told that while he was a capable candidate, the team sought a different option.
During a press conference, Monken shared that an individual involved in the Jets' interview process likened his situation to that of luxury vehicles. "Don't ever forget that you're a Mercedes when you look in the mirror. You can’t control if they wanted a Lexus. Doesn’t matter how good a Mercedes you are… if they want the other, there’s nothing you can do about it. That doesn’t mean you’re not capable. It’s like all of us. When you go through interviews, you’re going through certain stages. You’re like, you know what, there’s things I certainly could’ve improved — interviewing, all those things," Monken recounted.
He added, "Ultimately, they chose a different model. That was their choice." Monken expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to interview with the Jets.
Following the 2019 coaching search, Monken joined the Browns as an offensive coordinator for that season. After subsequent roles with the Georgia Bulldogs and the Baltimore Ravens, he returned to the Browns as their head coach for the current season.
In retrospect, the Jets' decision to hire Gase led to a 9-23 record over two seasons before his dismissal after the 2020 campaign. Monken is now set to coach against the Jets on Sunday in Week 5 at MetLife Stadium.