Browns coach Todd Monken discusses mental process of getting rejected by Jets for Adam Gase in 2019

On Sunday, the Cleveland Browns will face the New York Jets in a significant game. Monken, the Browns' head coach at 60 years old, previously interviewed for the Jets' head-coaching position in 2019 while serving as the Buccaneers' offensive coordinator. However, he was not selected and Adam Gase, the Jets' current coach, was hired instead.

Gase's tenure with the Jets was unsuccessful, resulting in a 9-23 record and creating tension among players. After the Jets hired Gase, Monken was offered the opportunity to interview for the same position, during which he received advice from a Jets executive. The executive advised, "Don't ever forget that you're a Mercedes. When you look in the mirror, you can't control if they want a Lexus.

It doesn't matter how good a Mercedes you are. If they want the other, there's nothing you can do about it." This statement, focusing on the unpredictability of job opportunities, was meant to remind Monken of his capabilities and not to take any rejection personally. Monken acknowledged his interview process with the Jets as thorough, stating that he "crushed" his interviews.

Despite his success as the Browns' offensive coordinator, Monken was fired after one season. He then returned to college football, winning two national championships as Georgia's offensive coordinator and spending three years with the Baltimore Ravens. The Browns hired Monken last offseason, and the team currently stands at 3-1, exceeding expectations.

Gase is making his first full-time coaching appearance since being fired by the Jets in 2021, where he served as the passing game specialist for the Los Angeles Chargers under Jim Harbaugh. The Chargers currently have a 0-4 record with Pro Bowl quarterback Justin Herbert struggling with his performance. The Browns-Jets game is set to begin at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New York.