Hilliary Azevedo

Written by Hilliary Azevedo

Published: 10 Jan 2026

25-facts-about-freddie-kitchens
Source: Sportingnews.com

Who is Freddie Kitchens? Freddie Kitchens is a name that resonates with football fans, especially those who follow the NFL. Freddie Kitchens is best known for his time as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns. Born on November 29, 1974, in Gadsden, Alabama, Kitchens has had a long career in football, both as a player and a coach. He played college football at the University of Alabama, where he was a quarterback. After his playing days, he transitioned into coaching, working with various NFL teams in different capacities. His journey from a college quarterback to an NFL head coach is filled with interesting twists and turns. Whether you're a die-hard football fan or just curious about his career, these 25 facts will give you a deeper understanding of Freddie Kitchens and his impact on the game.

Table of Contents

Early Life and Education

Freddie Kitchens has had an interesting journey from his early days to becoming a known name in football. Here are some fascinating facts about his early life and education.

  1. Born on November 29, 1974, in Gadsden, Alabama, Freddie Kitchens grew up in a football-loving community.
  2. Kitchens attended Etowah High School in Attalla, Alabama, where he played as a quarterback.
  3. He was a standout player in high school, earning a scholarship to the University of Alabama.
  4. At Alabama, Kitchens played quarterback from 1993 to 1997, starting 29 games during his college career.
  5. He graduated with a degree in management, showing his commitment to both academics and athletics.

Playing Career

Freddie Kitchens' playing career, though not as illustrious as his coaching career, laid the foundation for his future in football.

  1. Kitchens played under head coaches Gene Stallings and Mike DuBose at Alabama.
  2. He threw for 4,668 yards and 30 touchdowns during his college career.
  3. Despite his efforts, Kitchens went undrafted in the 1998 NFL Draft.
  4. He briefly played for the Rhein Fire in NFL Europe, gaining international experience.
  5. Kitchens transitioned to coaching after realizing his playing career wouldn't reach the NFL level.

Coaching Beginnings

Freddie Kitchens' coaching career started modestly but quickly gained momentum. His early coaching roles helped him build a solid foundation.

  1. Kitchens began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Glenville State College in 1999.
  2. He then moved to LSU as a graduate assistant in 2000, working under head coach Nick Saban.
  3. Kitchens joined North Texas as running backs coach in 2001, marking his first full-time coaching position.
  4. He served as the tight ends coach at Mississippi State from 2004 to 2005.
  5. Kitchens joined the Dallas Cowboys as tight ends coach in 2006, his first NFL coaching role.

NFL Coaching Career

Freddie Kitchens' NFL coaching career saw him rise through the ranks, eventually leading to a head coaching position.

  1. Kitchens spent 11 years with the Arizona Cardinals, coaching tight ends, quarterbacks, and running backs.
  2. He was part of the Cardinals' coaching staff that reached Super Bowl XLIII in 2009.
  3. Kitchens joined the Cleveland Browns as running backs coach in 2018.
  4. He was promoted to offensive coordinator midway through the 2018 season after the firing of head coach Hue Jackson.
  5. Kitchens' success as offensive coordinator led to his promotion to head coach of the Browns in 2019.

Head Coaching Tenure

Freddie Kitchens' time as head coach of the Cleveland Browns was short but eventful. Here are some key facts about his tenure.

  1. Kitchens became the 17th head coach in Cleveland Browns history on January 12, 2019.
  2. His first season as head coach saw the Browns finish with a 6-10 record.
  3. Kitchens was known for his aggressive play-calling and willingness to take risks.
  4. Despite high expectations, the Browns' performance under Kitchens was inconsistent, leading to his dismissal after one season.
  5. Kitchens' tenure as head coach ended on December 29, 2019, after just one year in the role.

Freddie Kitchens: A Remarkable Journey

Freddie Kitchens has had quite a ride in the football world. From his days as a college quarterback to his coaching stints in the NFL, he's seen it all. Kitchens' career has been marked by both triumphs and challenges, shaping him into a resilient and knowledgeable coach. His time with the Cleveland Browns, though short-lived, left a lasting impact on the team and its fans. Kitchens' ability to connect with players and his deep understanding of the game make him a respected figure in football circles. Whether he's on the sidelines or behind the scenes, his influence is undeniable. As he continues to contribute to the sport, Freddie Kitchens remains a testament to the passion and dedication that drive the world of football. His story is far from over, and fans eagerly await his next move.

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