Freddie Kitchens has reportedly locked up Cleveland Browns OC job

Freddie Kitchens has transformed the Cleveland Browns offense since being named offensive coordinator, and it has reportedly landed him the job permanently.

Offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens has been one of the best things to happen to the Cleveland Browns organization this season, as he has done unbelievable work with the offense since taking over prior to their Week 9 game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

He has done such a great job with the offense – and Baker Mayfield – that Saturday’s 17-16 win against the Denver Broncos has locked up the offensive coordinator job for Kitchens, according to Fox Sports insider Jay Glazer.

“It did lock up the job for their offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens because the job that he is doing with Baker Mayfield,” Glazer said during FOX’s NFL pregame show on Sunday. “But because now that they have a coach for Baker, they can open up that head coaching search. They don’t have to go find that offensive guru. They can go out and find the best guy for the job.”

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Since being promoted to offensive coordinator after the Browns fired Todd Haley in October, Kitchens has transformed the offense. The Browns offense has averaged 23.3 points, 260.7 passing yards, and 113 rushing yards per game since Kitchens was named offensive coordinator.

The best part about the job that Kitchens has done is how well Mayfield has played under the 44-year-old coach. In the six games with Kitchens as the offensive coordinator, Mayfield has completed 70.8 percent of his passes and has thrown for 1,594 yards, 13 touchdowns, and five interceptions.

Under Kitchens, Mayfield has looked much more comfortable on the field and his performance has shown that. The rookie quarterback has only said positive things about Kitchens, and the trust they have in each other has helped Mayfield’s development.

With how much they believe in each other, the Browns had to consider the possibility of keeping Kitchens, no matter what. They need to do what is best for Mayfield, and it is obvious that Kitchens knows how to help the quarterback.

Glazer would go on to say that Gregg Williams has not locked up the head coaching job yet, despite going 4-2 as the interim head coach. However, Glazer said a strong finish to the season would make Williams a serious candidate for the job.

Keeping Kitchens on the staff will create some problems for the Browns head coaching search. Although they do not have to find an offensive minded coach, some candidates will want to bring in their own staff and not have to be forced to keep Kitchens.

With Kitchens on the staff, it will reduce the amount of candidates for the head coaching vacancy. But the most important thing for the Browns is to help Mayfield develop, and that is what Kitchens is doing. The Browns seem to be making the right move if Glazer’s report proves to be true.