Browns denying teams permission to interview OC Freddie Kitchens

The Cleveland Browns are denying teams permission to interview offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens, which is a strong sign they want to retain, if not promote, him.

NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport said that the Browns are turning down other teams because they want to give the next head coach a chance to hire him.

#Browns OC Freddie Kitchens, who will interview for CLE's HC job early next week, has received several requests for vacant coordinator jobs, source said. The team has declined those for now, as Kitchens is under contract. They want the new HC to have an opportunity to hire him.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 3, 2019

Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot says the Browns are interviewing Kitchens for their head coaching job and may be seriously giving consideration to hiring him for that position.

Kitchens was promoted to offensive coordinator when Hue Jackson and Todd Haley were fired. The offense exploded in the final eight games, with rookie No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield showing what he could do. Kitchens, 44, is a former Alabama quarterback who has coached at the pro level since 2006.