Gregg Williams, Freddie Kitchens to Interview; Adam Gase, More Linked to Browns

With the Cleveland Browns kicking off their search for a permanent head coach, Gregg Williams and Freddie Kitchens will have chances to interview with the team.     

Per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Browns general manager John Dorsey said interim head coach Williams will interview Tuesday and that the team is also considering interim offensive coordinator Kitchens.

"[We] want to see [Williams'] overarching vision for this team moving forward," Dorsey said Monday, per Scott Petrak of the Chronicle-Telegram. "I also want to explore multiple options in the NFL."

While the Browns assess internal options, Cleveland is reportedly also looking at a number of outside targets.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported the team has requested an interview with Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, while Ian Rapoport of NFL Network added the team has asked to meet with Minnesota Vikings interim offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski and is looking at Colts offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni. 

In addition, Jeff Darlington of NFL Network reported Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has interest in Adam Gase after he was fired by the Miami Dolphins. Darlington noted Peyton Manning recommended Gase to Haslam. 

Rapoport also noted the Browns are interested in former Colts and Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell.  

Williams and Kitchens helped lead Cleveland's second-half turnaround following the firings of head coach Hue Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Haley on Oct. 29.

The Browns went 5-3 after Williams and Kitchens took over. Cleveland's seven wins in 2018 were three more than the team had in the previous three seasons combined. 

More important than the record was the development of No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield. The rookie quarterback completed 68.4 percent of his attempts with 2,254 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions after the coaching change, and he broke the NFL rookie record for most touchdown passes in a season with his 27th score Sunday.

If the Browns believe Mayfield's success was directly tied to Williams and Kitchens, they could be more inclined to give either man a shot as full-time head coach. 

Williams has previous head coaching experience, going 17-31 in three seasons with the Buffalo Bills from 2001-03. Kitchens had never been an offensive coordinator prior to this season.