The Cleveland Browns‘ offseason has once again been marked by unexpected drama, this time triggered by star pass rusher Myles Garrett. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year attracted attention after posting a meme on Instagram at the same time the Browns announced Todd Monken as their new offensive coordinator. The image featured a tired Wendy’s employee during a break, but Garrett did not provide any caption or explanation, raising questions about the post’s timing and intent.
To address speculation, Browns General Manager Andrew Berry clarified that Garrett had been informed about Monken’s hiring before the announcement was made public. Berry’s statement suggested the post was unrelated to Monken’s arrival but may have had another motivation, potentially connected to former defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, according to ESPN Browns insider Daniel Oyefusi.
Asked about Myles Garrett’s IG Stories post in the aftermath of the Jim Schwartz development, Browns GM Andrew Berry said he didn’t see the post but kept Myles Garrett informed throughout the process. ‘He knew the news (on Todd Monken) before you did,’
Oyefusi wrote on X.
Tensions Rise Amid Jim Schwartz’s Departure and Garrett’s Social Media Timing
Just as the news of Todd Monken’s hiring broke, reports revealed that Jim Schwartz, the former defensive coordinator, was angry with the organization after being overlooked for the head coach role. Schwartz reportedly declined to coach under anyone else, leading to his resignation earlier in the week. Garrett and Schwartz had developed a strong relationship, with Schwartz playing a key role in Garrett’s development into an elite pass rusher who recently set the single-season sack record.
With Schwartz’s exit, Garrett now faces the challenge of continuing his growth without the defensive leader he trusted. Many view Garrett’s Instagram post as poorly timed, exacerbating an already delicate situation for the Browns. As the franchise’s leading player, Garrett’s social media presence was expected to reflect leadership and support for the team, making the ambiguous meme particularly problematic.
Critics argue that Garrett missed an opportunity to address the situation with more transparency or positivity. Instead of fueling confusion, he could have acknowledged Monken’s arrival while expressing concern for Schwartz’s departure, underscoring his respect for both coaching figures.
Leadership Questions Arise as Browns Look to Stabilize
This episode has intensified debates among Browns fans about Garrett’s role as a team leader. While his exceptional talent and work ethic are never in question, Garrett has occasionally struggled to present himself as the franchise’s guiding voice. His recent actions have done little to dispel these doubts.
Garrett did show glimpses of growth during his acceptance speech at the NFL Honors ceremony, but he has yet to publicly discuss the coaching changes within the Browns. Given the current unrest, a clear statement from Garrett addressing the coaching transition could help steady the team and reassure fans.
The Browns now face the task of moving past this internal discord while capitalizing on Garrett’s remarkable on-field abilities. How Garrett navigates these leadership challenges could significantly influence the team’s cohesion and success in the upcoming season.
Asked about Myles Garrett’s IG Stories post in the aftermath of the Jim Schwartz development, Browns GM Andrew Berry said he didn’t see the post but kept Myles Garrett informed throughout the process.
“He knew the news (on Todd Monken) before you did.”
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) February 3, 2026
