New Cleveland Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens was asked about Odell Beckham, Jr. and said the first thing he will tell him when the two finally meet is ‘I love you’
The legend of Freddie Kitchens continues to grow. The Cleveland Browns rookie head coach burst onto the scene in 2018 when he took over as the play caller and offensive coordinator following the firing of Hue Jackson and Todd Haley.
He quickly went from a guy we all googled to figure out who he was, to a dark horse candidate to run the team going forward. After kicking the tires on several candidates, general manager John Dorsey decided on Kitchens and the fans have completely fallen in line with the choice.
Kitchens has endeared himself to the Browns faithful with his approachability, quick wit, and how he has embraced the city. He famously said, “if you don’t wear orange and brown you don’t matter.” He then signed a kid’s Browns’ hat in the airport and told him he mattered.
As much as fans loved him for this, they have to have fallen even more with Kitchens appearance at the annual NFL Meetings. First, he took a photo with every head coach in attendance and stood out as he was the only one sporting a ball cap. Then, he was asked about the team’s newest addition, Odell Beckham, Jr.
His response was classic Freddie. The head coach said the two have yet to meet, but when they do, the first thing he would say to Beckham is that he loves him. He added that he would ask the superstar wideout how to catch the ball with one hand.
Kitchens’ laid back demeanor may not be the norm for an NFL head coach, but it is going to be important as he deals with some big personalities in Cleveland. From Baker Mayfield to Jarvis Landry, and OBJ, the Browns will have some talented players who want to win — and wil voice their opinion.
Some coaches struggle with that, but Kitchens seems like the kind of guy who will work alongside these players rather than try and get them in line.
Things are looking up for the Browns in 2019 and beyond, and Kitchens is a big reason why. And on Tuesday, he just gave us all more reason to root for him.