{
  "id": 9855082,
  "title": "Browns HC Todd Monken Explains Fiery Response to Mike Tomlin's Criticism",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/browns-hc-todd-monken-explains-fiery-response-to-mike-tomlins",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-25T22:59:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/browns-hc-todd-monken-explains-fiery-response-to-mike-tomlins-criticism-12491550"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Cleveland Browns secured an unexpected 23-19 triumph over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFL's Week 2. This victory came after a harsh critique from the team's former head coach, Mike Tomlin, during a post-game analysis on NBC's NFL coverage. At the press conference following the win, Browns head coach Todd Monken sparked controversy with his aggressive statement, \"Browns are gonna Browns. [expletive] that!\" when responding to Tomlin's criticism.\n\nIn a subsequent interview on ESPN's The Pat McAfee Show, Monken expressed his deep respect for Tomlin, acknowledging his admiration for his coaching career. Monken emphasized that the team's performance, not the name on their uniform, is what truly matters. He reiterated his message to the players, stating that they must improve and change the narrative surrounding their performance, regardless of the team's name.\n\nLast season, the Browns finished with a 5-12 record under Kevin Stefanski, leading to Monken's hiring as the new head coach following a disappointing 8-9 campaign that year. Monken's aggressive response was fueled by the Browns' struggles, particularly during the Week 1 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, which featured five sacks, 360 yards of offense, and a complete shutdown of Cleveland's red zone attempts.\n\nLooking ahead, the Browns have a chance to start their season 2-1 when they host the 1-1 Carolina Panthers at home on Sunday, September 27. The Panthers, led by quarterback Bryce Young, have shown strong offensive performance in their first two games, averaging 312.5 passing yards per game. If Young's passing offense remains effective, it will be intriguing to see if Deshaun Watson can deliver another surprising victory in front of his home fans.",
  "summary": "Head coach Todd Monken explained what caused him to issue his fiery response to Mike Tomlin's Browns criticism.",
  "key_points": [
    "Browns HC Todd Monken responds aggressively to Mike Tomlin's criticism.",
    "Monken respects Tomlin's coaching career, emphasizes team performance.",
    "Browns host Carolina Panthers in Week 3, aiming for 2-1 start."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}