The path to becoming an NFL head coach is a rough road. Their success is determined by how much the organization and fans believe in you, and the type of players that represent the roster. Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens had an unusual path to becoming the head coach in Cleveland.
In 2006, he worked on the Dallas Cowboys staff as a tight end coach. The following season, he started a ten-year tenure as apart of the Arizona Cardinals tight end, running back, and quarterbacks coach. During the 2018 season, Kitchens was promoted to offensive coordinator of the Browns.
During that season, incoming rookie Baker Mayfield was runner-up for Offensive Rookie of the Year; breaking the rookie record for touchdown passes with 27.
Kitchens’ first season as the Browns head coach has been underwhelming to say the least. For example, in Week 10 against the Buffalo Bills, the Browns had eight attempts inside within the two-yard line on a single drive and were unable to score a touchdown.
Against the Los Angeles Rams on 4th & 9, they elected to run a half back draw. The media has heavily criticized Kitchens, and many have called for him to be fired. Despite the frustration, the Browns should not fire Kitchens.
Browns History With Head Coaches
Since 1999, the Browns have had 11 head coaches. Since Jimmy Haslam bought the team in 2012, there have been five. The organization has not shown enough faith to keep a coach. Although Kitchens’ team has the talent, the organization has to allow him to develop.
Most importantly, Kitchens is inexperienced as a head coach. One season isn’t enough for a coach to blossom. Even some of the best coaches in NFL history didn’t start on the right foot. For example, Bill Parcells went 3-12-1 in his first season for the Giants, while Bill Walsh went 2-14. As a result, both coaches won Super Bowls for their respective organizations and were later elected into the Hall of Fame.
If the Browns want success, they have to learn to develop consistency. For an organization that has not won a playoff game since 1995, that may require a little bit more patience.
Photo: AP
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