This is one outlet's own report from Yahoo Sports — the article as it was filed.
AIPROPX ReportYahoo Sports · 1h ago
Todd Monken reveals the Browns legend he tried to add to his coaching staff
Todd Monken tried to bring Joe Thomas onto his coaching staff ahead of his maiden voyage as an NFL coach.
Monken revealed he had made overtures to Thomas – a Pro Football Hall of Famer who was a stalwart force at left tackle during his 11-year career with the Cleveland Browns – at a media availability on Thursday, Aug. 6 .
"Well, when I was interviewing for the job and then when I got the job, I had reached out to Joe," Monken said of Thomas. "Joe obviously played for [offensive line coach] George Warhop as well. And I said, 'Hey, we’ve got a spot for you if you want to help us coach.' And he said, 'I'd love to coach.' He said, 'I don’t think I want to commit to an everyday contract.' I said, 'That’s fine. Anytime you want to come out and help our guys, you’re more than welcome.' And we certainly would welcome that."
More: Why Joe Thomas believes Browns made 'right decision' trading Myles Garrett
While Thomas didn't take Monken up on the full-time offer, he has spent time with the team during their training camp.
Notably, he conducted an interview with the team's first-round pick, Spencer Fano . The rookie called Thomas "one of my heroes" and expressed gratitude for getting to speak to him as he looks to win the team's starting left tackle job
Warhop, who coached Thomas from 2009 to 2013, was pleased to learn of the 41-year-old's presence at an Aug. 6 news conference .
"If any of those guys can talk to Joe, it's a great resource," Warhop said. "Joe was the ultimate pro. Great work ethic, great study habits, fantastic notes ... My last couple of years here, he and Alex Mack would split the room and watch tape with them so guys could understand how they watch tape. So, I think he's a great resource."
Warhop also made it clear that he expects his players to tap into the franchise's connection to Thomas as much as possible, especially when he's in the building.
"If I'm a lineman here, and I'm a tackle here, and I don't reach out to Joe, I'm a dumba--," Warhop said.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Todd Monken reveals the Browns legend he tried to add to his coaching staff
Todd MonkenBrownsCleveland BrownsNFLJoe ThomasMonkenThomasPro Football HallFamerAugWellJoe
AIPROPX is an independent multi-source news index — we track, compare, and connect coverage from across the web into one place you won't find anywhere else.
