Brief

Todd Monken recalls Jets’ ‘Lexus’ analogy after being passed over for 2019 head‑coach job

Monken said a Jets executive likened his interview to a luxury‑car choice after the team hired Adam Gase.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 10 Oct 2026 22:01:34 GMT

At a press conference on Friday, Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken recounted a comment he received from a New York Jets representative during his 2019 interview for the team’s head‑coaching vacancy.

Monken said the Jets official told him, “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.” He added that the Jets ultimately selected a different “model,” hiring Adam Gase instead.

Monken noted he “really appreciated” the interview opportunity and later joined the Browns as offensive coordinator in 2019 before returning as head coach this season. He will face the Jets in Week 5 at MetLife Stadium.

Key facts

• Todd Monken was interviewed by the Jets for their 2019 head‑coach vacancy. (nypost.com)
• A Jets official compared Monken to a Mercedes and the team’s choice to a Lexus. (nypost.com)
• The Jets hired Adam Gase instead of Monken for the 2019 job. (nypost.com)
• Monken became the Browns’ offensive coordinator in 2019 and is now their head coach. (nypost.com)
• The Browns will play the Jets in Week 5 at MetLife Stadium. (nypost.com)

Sources

• [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Todd Monken reveals the ‘Lexus’ advice he got from Jets after going for 2019 head coaching job”