Todd Monken predicted to be fired after choosing Deshaun Watson over Shedeur Sanders
Todd Monken put his future on the line with one decision — and some analysts believe it could cost him his job.
For many analysts, Todd Monken 's decision to name Deshaun Watson the Cleveland Browns ' starting quarterback has already put his future in jeopardy, with some believing his tenure as head coach could last only one season.
That is the opinion of Jack Duffin of The Orange and Brown Report , who argued on Tuesday, Aug. 25 , that Monken's decision to open the season with Watson under center has intensified concerns about his future and strengthened the belief that he could be a "one-and-done" head coach in Cleveland.
“With Todd Monken putting his coaching future on the shoulders of Deshaun Watson, he has never felt more like a one-and-done head coach than he does now,” Duffin said, via TheDawgsPodcast on Instagram.
Deshaun Watson continues to divide Browns fans
While NFL teams should never make major roster decisions based solely on public opinion, Deshaun Watson 's fractured relationship with the Cleveland fan base has become an undeniable issue for Monken and the Browns.
Watson was loudly booed by Browns fans during last Saturday's preseason game against the Buffalo Bills , where he completed just 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards with one interception.
When asked about the reaction after the game, Watson offered a blunt response:
The veteran quarterback later accused fans of making the criticism personal, arguing that the backlash extends beyond his play on the field. He even referenced the boos he received after tearing his Achilles tendon in October 2024.
Is Shedeur Sanders' opportunity coming too late?
The Browns will begin the regular season with consecutive road games against the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers .
Some believe Monken is starting Watson with the expectation that, if he struggles, the Browns can pivot to Shedeur Sanders before their home opener against the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 27.
Todd Monken praises Shedeur Sanders' response after learning he would be Deshaun Watson's backup on the Browns
But that logic raises an obvious question: if Sanders is viewed as a viable alternative, why not start him from Week 1 and give fans the quarterback they overwhelmingly appear to support?
Now, attention shifts to Monken himself. After earning his first NFL head coaching opportunity following three successful seasons as the Baltimore Ravens' offensive coordinator, he risks alienating a fan base that seems firmly behind Sanders over Watson.
If Watson fails to deliver early, Monken's commitment to him could quickly become the defining storyline—and potentially the biggest threat to his future in Cleveland .
