Myles Garrett has yet to speak with new Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken, but when that conversation happens, Garrett plans to make one thing clear – his focus is winning, above all else, and nothing else.
The Browns finished last season 5-12, missing the playoffs once more, while Garrett delivered a historic campaign, setting the NFL single-season sack record at 23 and earning his second Defensive Player of the Year award.
Despite his individual success and Hall of Fame-caliber resume, Garrett‘s priorities haven’t shifted. A Super Bowl remains the ultimate goal, which initially motivated his trade request last offseason before agreeing to a $160 million extension through 2030.
With Monken now at the helm, Garrett said he intends to discuss his mindset directly with the new coach.
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“I haven’t had any conversations yet [with Monken)] I’ll be going back in a couple of weeks, and I plan to hash all that out when I get there,” Garrett told DJ Siddiqi. “But as far as the drive to win, that’s paramount.
“That’s always been bigger than any individual record for me or accomplishment. That’s what I try to instill into my guys on the team, especially on defense. Now as much as we want to get sacks, we want to make plays. We’ve got to do whatever it takes to win.”
Garrett emphasized that winning outweighs individual accomplishments and the Browns‘ defense will also feature a new coordinator, as Jim Schwartz resigned after being passed over for the head coaching job.
Mike Rutenberg has been hired to replace him, although Cleveland still faces challenges before reaching contender status, fueling speculation about Garrett‘s future.
“I’m committed to winning,” Garrett said. “And long as the team organization are doing so and they’re committed to that same thing, then I’m all on board. But if we’re thinking anything other than winning – tanking or rebuilding, that’s not me.”
Browns continue making defensive changes
After naming Rutenberg defensive coordinator, Cleveland promoted two more assistants. Linebackers coach Jason Tarver, a finalist for the coordinator job, is now defensive run game coordinator while maintaining his linebackers duties.
Safeties coach Ephraim Banda was elevated to defensive passing game coordinator. Brandon Lynch also joined as defensive backs coach and pass game specialist, keeping continuity despite Schwartz‘s departure and staff turnover.
Monken said he won’t radically alter the defensive scheme. Rutenberg, with 14 NFL seasons of experience, previously served as the Atlanta Falcons defensive pass game coordinator, and isn’t tasked with overhauling a defense that allowed just 283.6 yards and 22.3 points per game last year.
Cleveland also holds the No. 6 and 24 draft picks, key assets as they look to reshape the roster and provide Garrett with more weapons.
The moves suggest the Browns are committed to winning, aligning with Garrett‘s focus and ensuring the team’s elite defense remains intact.
