x
Breaking News
More () »

Browns confirm interview with Freddie Kitchens for head-coaching vacancy

The Cleveland Browns have confirmed they have completed an interview with interim play-caller Freddie Kitchens for their head-coaching vacancy.

The Cleveland Browns’ coaching search committee continued their work looking for the next full-time coach, and the process continued Friday when interim offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens was brought in for an interview.

In his end-of-the-year press conference on December 31, 2018, Browns general manager John Dorsey said that interim coach/defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was not the only in-house candidate to earn an interview for the full-time head-coaching vacancy over the final eight weeks of the 2018 regular season.

Kitchens, whom has been a popular interview request from other NFL teams, helped the Browns increase their points per game and got solid play out of rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield.

“I think he has earned it,” Dorsey said of Kitchens in his end-of-the-year press conference. “He has done a nice job in his role as offensive coordinator. I think this organization wants to get to know him a little bit better.”

Credit: © Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2018; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns associate head coach Freddie Kitchens reacts on the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 33-18. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Prior to the dismissals of coach Hue Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Haley, the Browns averaged 21.125 points per game on offense, but were outscored by more than five points in every outing.

Once Kitchens took over the play-calling duties, the Browns showed improvement in points per game scored. The Browns averaged 23.75 points per game, up by more than 2.5 points per outing.

Kitchens was seventh interview candidate confirmed by the Browns since starting their search last Tuesday. Last week, the Browns brought in Williams, Jim Caldwell, the former coach of the Indianapolis Colts and Detroit Lions, current Minnesota Vikings interim offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski and New Orleans Saints assistant head coach Dan Campbell for interviews.

Also, over the weekend, the Browns brought in New England Patriots defensive assistant Brian Flores and Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus (Sunday) for interviews.

Before You Leave, Check This Out