Browns News: Freddie Kitchens Shoots Down Idea of Giving Up Play-Calling Duties

Despite a slow start to the season, Cleveland Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens is not planning on giving up play-calling duties.

"That's not even being considered," Kitchens said Monday, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

Cleveland is just 1-2 after a 20-13 loss to the Los Angeles Rams Sunday night. The squad is averaging 16.3 points per game through three weeks of 2019.

The offense was much smoother during Kitchens' eight games as an offensive coordinator last season, averaging 23.8 points per game while posting a 5-3 record. Quarterback Baker Mayfield had a 106.2 quarterback rating in this span, with 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

This strong finish helped Kitchens earn the head coaching job despite having only half a season of experience above a position coach in the NFL.

The offseason addition of Pro Bowl receiver Odell Beckham Jr. raised expectations even more for this offense.

However, things haven't been quite as smooth as many hoped in 2019, with Mayfield especially struggling. So far this season, the second-year passer has just three touchdowns and five picks, leading to a 70.3 quarterback rating.

Offensive coordinator Todd Monken could potentially take over calling plays after three successful seasons running the offense for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, ranking third in total yards in 2018. Still, it seems Kitchens is not ready to give up the reins quite yet.