CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns officially named Freddie Kitchens as the team’s head coach on Saturday afternoon, according to the team.
Kitchens, a 13-year NFL coaching veteran, helped the Browns turn the 2018 season around as the offensive coordinator.
IT’S OFFICIAL!
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) January 12, 2019
Freddie Kitchens named Browns Head Coach
📰 » https://t.co/lID8zaoBNW pic.twitter.com/rMtgv38QI3
Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam issued the following statement in a press release:
We are thrilled to announce Freddie Kitchens as the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns. He did an outstanding job in his role as coordinator, and we know that will continue as he steps into the role of head coach. Freddie demonstrated all of the qualities that you want in someone who is leading your organization. He has unquestioned leadership. He is a man of integrity. He fosters a collaborative environment. He gets the most out of his players and our players loved playing for him. We are happy to have him leading the Cleveland Browns going forward.
Under Kitchens, the Browns’ offense made a massive turnaround, averaging more than 395 yards per game, executing almost perfectly in the red zone and finishing with a 5-3 record over the final eight games.
“I’m your new head coach, Freddie Kitchens. Let’s roll.” 😂 pic.twitter.com/ZmZn76KCUZ
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) January 12, 2019
Cleveland only gave up five sacks during the second half of the season compared to 33 in the first half.
Kitchens has held coaching positions with the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals in addition to the Browns.
Kitchens released the following statement in a press release:
It’s an honor to be named the head coach of the Cleveland Browns. As I’ve said before, I think Cleveland and I get along pretty well. My family and I have really enjoyed our time with this organization and in this community over the last year. I’m grateful for the opportunity and responsibility Dee and Jimmy Haslam have granted me. John Dorsey led a thorough search process and I was excited about having the opportunity to come in and talk about my vision for the future of this football team. There are a lot of great people in this front office that I’m excited to continue to work alongside with a singular focus on winning. I’ve been to one Super Bowl that didn’t end the way I wanted it to and that disappointing memory is what really drives me. Our goal is to work extremely hard to earn the right to raise that Lombardi Trophy for our fans and this city.
Kitchens is being well received as head coach already, especially by Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield.
“It was great working with and learning from Freddie last year. He has such a creative mind. He creates mismatches and just put guys in position to take advantage of their opportunities. He puts trusts in us as players. He’s the same guy every day. I’m really excited about 2019 and the future of the Cleveland Browns,” Mayfield said in a press release.
Full details of the Browns’ 2019 schedule will be released in the spring.
