Browns Rumors: Cleveland To Promote Freddie Kitchens To Head Coach?

After putting together a string of impressive performances fueled by young talent in the back half of the season, the Cleveland Browns have one of the more intriguing head coaching vacancies in the NFL. According to a new report from NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Browns might give the job to one of the architects of their late-season turnaround, rather than hire from outside the organization.

According to Rapoport, the Browns will interview offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens for the top job on either Monday or Tuesday. Rapoport also said he has a “realistic” chance of getting the job.

Kitchens was named the Browns’ interim offensive coordinator in October after the firings of head coach Hue Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Haley. Interim head coach Gregg Williams is also considered a contender for the job, but NFL reporter Peter King said he was not a “serious candidate.”

The reason the Browns might want the 44-year-old offensive coordinator over Williams is his rapport with first overall pick Baker Mayfield. The rookie quarterback was outstanding after the mid-season coaching change, eventually setting the single-season record for touchdown passes by a first-year signal-caller.

In the eight games with Todd Haley calling plays, the Browns averaged just 19.3 points per game, going 2-5-1 in the process. With Kitchens calling plays, the Browns averaged 23.7 points per game, accumulating a 5-3 record.

Recent betting odds put Kitchens as the favorite to get the job, ahead of former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy and New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.