Freddie Kitchens is the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns. The worst kept secret in Cleveland the last few days. So why did the Browns take three days to officially announce the hiring? We’ll find out. Kitchens is formally introduced Monday afternoon at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Kitchens is head coach number eleven for the Browns since returning to the NFL in 1999. Hopefully it will be more than two years before a head coach search takes place in Cleveland again.
“We are so thrilled to announce Freddie Kitchens as the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns,” owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said. “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. (Freddie) 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.”
After 13-years coaching in the National Football League, Kitchens gets his first chance at being a head coach.
“It’s an honor to be named the head coach of the Cleveland Browns,” Kitchens said. “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.”
Now it’s time to get a start together and build off a successful 2018 season.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity and responsibility Dee and Jimmy Haslam have granted me,” Kitchens said.. John Dorsey led a thorough search process. 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. 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.”
The Browns interviewed seven candidates for the position. They decided to believe in the save the best for last philosophy. Kitchens interviewed last for the job.
“We had a deliberate and thorough process and one thing became evident — that Freddie is the best person to lead the Cleveland Browns,” general manager John Dorsey said. “We saw firsthand what Freddie is able to do. He showed that he is consistent on a day in and day out basis and that he is a true leader. (Kitchens) helped unify our players in a tough time. He raised the bar for our offense last year, and I have no doubt he is going to raise the bar for our entire team.”
Scott Piker is the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Indians Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage.com. So follow him on twitter @ScottPikerSport
