The Browns on Monday interviewed offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens for the team's head coach opening.
Kitchens, who helped turn around Cleveland's season after taking over as the team's offensive play-caller, is the seventh candidate to interview. Gregg Williams -- who was the Browns' interim head coach during the second half of the 2018 season -- interviewed last Tuesday, former NFL coach Jim Caldwell interviewed Wednesday, Vikings offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski interviewed Thursday, Saints assistant head coach/tight ends Dan Campbell interviewed Friday, Patriots linebackers coach Brian Flores interviewed Saturday and Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus interviewed Sunday.
Kitchens was hired as the Browns assistant head coach/running backs coach for the 2018 season but was elevated to offensive coordinator following the midyear dismissals of head coach Hue Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Haley. Under Kitchens' watch, Cleveland's offense made a dramatic turnaround, averaging better than 395 yards per game and executing to near perfection in the red zone. The offensive line surrendered just five sacks in the team's final eight games while quarterback Baker Mayfield and running back Nick Chubb -- both of whom are finalists for NFL Rookie of the Year -- did the bulk of their damage during the second half of the season, as Cleveland improved its scoring offense from 21.1 points per game to 23.7 under Kitchens.
Kitchens, who played quarterback at the University of Alabama, broke into the NFL in 2006 as a tight ends coach with the Cowboys under Hall of Fame coach Bill Parcells. He held the same position with the Cardinals from 2007-12, working under Ken Whisenhunt, before transitioning to quarterbacks coach from 2013-16 when he worked under Bruce Arians. He was running backs coach in his final year in Arizona before making the move to Cleveland.
Bio Blast
Freddie Kitchens - Browns offensive coordinator
Age: 44
Hometown: Gadsden, Alabama
College: Alabama
NFL Experience: 13 years (7 college)
