Browns Rumors: Freddie Kitchens Receiving 'Strong Consideration' for HC Job

Adam Wells @adamwells1985Featured ColumnistJanuary 8, 2019

FILE - In this Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018 file photo, Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens walks on the field after an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Cleveland. A person familiar with the decision says the Browns have denied requests from other teams to interview offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens. There has been outside interest in Kitchens, who took over Cleveland’s offense in October, said the person who spoke Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019 on condition of anonymity because the Browns are not commenting during their coaching search other than to confirm completed interviews. (AP Photo/David Richard, File)

David Richard/Associated Press

After making a good impression during his two months as the team's offensive coordinator, Freddie Kitchens could be moving closer to taking over as head coach of the Cleveland Browns.

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, while the Browns are still going over their options, Kitchens is receiving "strong consideration" from the team. As recently as Monday night, Cleveland was calling people who have worked with him.

The Browns announced Kitchens completed his head-coaching interview Monday. He is the sixth person they have interviewed, including former Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell, New England Patriots defensive coordinator Brian Flores and Minnesota Vikings interim offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski.

Former Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy was expected to speak with the Browns, but ESPN's Rob Demovsky reported "things are on hold" as the team talks to other candidates.

Kitchens had never been an offensive coordinator before the Browns promoted him to the job. He took over after Todd Haley was fired on Oct. 29.

In eight games with Kitchens at the offense's helm, Cleveland went 5-3 and averaged 23.8 points per game. Baker Mayfield took off during that stretch, throwing for 2,254 yards, 19 touchdowns and a 68.4 completion percentage.