BEREA, Ohio — Shortly after the Cleveland Browns’ plane returned to Northeast Ohio following the team’s 33-23 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in their regular-season finale, Freddie Kitchens arrived at the team’s facility in Berea.
There, he was met my a bevy of Browns brass, including owner Jimmy Haslam, executive vice president JW Johnson and general manager John Dorsey.
Moments later, Kitchens emerged from the facility carrying a backpack and commemorative Browns helmet. Inside, the 45-year-old Alabama native had been informed that he had been fired by Browns after amassing a 6-10 record in his first season as head coach of the team.
Owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam released the following statement after the change was announced:
“We thank Freddie for his hard work and commitment to this organization but did not see the success or opportunities for improvement to move forward with him as our head coach. Our focus is on hiring an exceptional leader for this football team and we will take a comprehensive approach to this process. We are excited about the core players we have to build around and develop and we look forward to bringing in a strong head coach that will put this group of players in the best position to succeed.”
General manager John Dorsey added:
“I would like to thank Freddie for his dedication and efforts this past season. We are disappointed in our results and feel a change is necessary. Freddie is a good man and good football coach. We wish he and his family nothing but success.”
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