Todd Monken’s first NFL victory as Cleveland Browns head coach was memorable. However, the celebration became even more special when he turned toward the fans who stayed behind after the victory. Following Cleveland’s weather-delayed 23-19 comeback victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium, Monken walked toward the field-level railing and exchanged high-fives with members of the traveling Dawg Pound.

Coach showin' love to the #DawgPound 🫶 pic.twitter.com/IzPzv8N80x

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 20, 2026

The Browns shared the heartwarming moment on their official social channels. It captured Monken’s appreciation for supporters who remained through torrential rain and an approximately two-hour lightning delay. Their presence provided a fitting backdrop to a gritty victory. Cleveland’s defense ultimately held Tampa Bay out of the end zone during a decisive late red-zone stand. For Monken, the scene reflected the resilient identity he has sought to establish since taking charge of the franchise.

Monken has built an NFL career around aggressive offensive design and maximizing his personnel. He entered the league as Jacksonville’s wide receivers coach in 2007 before becoming Tampa Bay’s offensive coordinator from 2016–18. That's when the Buccaneers led the NFL in passing yards during that span. After a 2019 season as Cleveland’s offensive coordinator, Monken returned to college football and helped Georgia produce back-to-back national championship-winning offenses. He returned to the NFL in 2023 as Baltimore’s offensive coordinator. Monken helped Lamar Jackson win MVP while the Ravens led the league in rushing and yards per play. Cleveland hired Monken as its 19th full-time head coach in January 2026. They brought him back to the franchise with the task of building a new era. At 1–1, his first victory now has an image to match the message: Cleveland fights, and the Dawg Pound stays with it.