Vacant NFL head coaching positions across the league are quickly filling up. The latest: Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens will be promoted to head coach.
According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, the Browns will officially announce Kitchens as their head coach later today.
Kitchens served as the Browns interim offensive coordinator for the final eight games of the season, after Hue Jackson was let go. During that time, Browns rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield saw his numbers dramatically improve.
According to ESPN's Field Yates, in the first eight games without Kitchens as OC, Mayfield was 130-of-223 (56.5%) for 1,471 yards, eight touchdowns and six interceptions. After Kitchens took over play-calling duties, Baker's completed 180-of-263 passes (68.4%) for 2,254 yards and 19 TDs to eight interceptions.
(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
Browns GM John Dorsey spoke highly of Kitchens' ability to improve the offense during his post-season press conference.
“He’s moved the ball,’’ Dorsey told the media at his postseason press conference. “He’s gotten the ball out of the quarterback’s hands quicker. He’s put some flair and different route combinations together that help out the quarterback. Overall, he’s kind of moved the bar on the offensive side of the ball.”
The Browns went 5-3 in the second half of the season and finished with a 7-8-1 record. Cleveland will select 17th in the 2019 NFL Draft.