Freddie Kitchens - NFL Head Coach Bio

Background and Playing Career
Freddie Kitchens was born on November 29, 1974, in Gadsden, Alabama. He played college football as a quarterback at the University of Alabama from 1993 to
1997. While at Alabama, Kitchens appeared in 30 games, throwing for 4,668 yards and 30 touchdowns. Although he never played professionally in the NFL, his football IQ and leadership on the field set the stage for a career in coaching. Coaching Career
Freddie Kitchens began his coaching journey in the college ranks, serving as a tight ends coach at Glenville State (1999) and then coaching running backs, tight ends, and other offensive positions at LSU, North Texas, and Mississippi State. He made the leap to the NFL in 2006, joining the Dallas Cowboys as a tight ends coach.

• Arizona Cardinals (2007–2017): Kitchens spent over a decade with the Cardinals, working under several head coaches. He held various roles, including tight ends coach, quarterbacks coach, and running backs coach. He was part of the staff that reached Super Bowl XLIII in the 2008 season.
• Cleveland Browns (2018–2019): Kitchens joined the Browns as running backs coach in 2018, later being promoted to offensive coordinator midseason. His work with rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield led to an improved offense, and he was named the Browns’ head coach for the 2019 season. However, after a disappointing 6-10 record, Kitchens was relieved of his duties after just one season.
• New York Giants (2020–2021): Kitchens joined the Giants as a tight ends coach and later served as the team’s senior offensive assistant and interim offensive coordinator in 2021.
• South Carolina Gamecocks (2023–present): Kitchens returned to college football as a senior football analyst and later as the tight ends coach.

Relevant Facts and Highlights

• Kitchens is known for his straight-talking, player-friendly coaching style and his versatility in coaching multiple offensive positions.
• He played a key role in the development of several NFL quarterbacks, including Baker Mayfield and Carson Palmer.
• Despite a brief tenure as a head coach, Kitchens’ decades-long coaching career has spanned both college and NFL ranks, earning him respect as a knowledgeable offensive mind.

Summary
Freddie Kitchens' career path is a testament to his adaptability and football acumen. From college quarterback at Alabama to NFL head coach and offensive assistant, he remains a well-traveled and experienced football mind, currently contributing as a coach at the collegiate level.

Legacy & Career Overview

Freddie Kitchens: NFL Head Coach – Full Biography

Early Life and Background
Freddie Kitchens, born as Charles Frederick Kitchens Jr. on November 29, 1974, in Gadsden, Alabama, is a notable figure in the world of American football, both as a former player and a coach. Raised in Alabama, Kitchens developed a passion for football early in life and excelled at Etowah High School in Attalla, Alabama. His strong-arm, leadership qualities, and football acumen earned him recognition and paved the way for his collegiate football career.

College Playing Career

Kitchens attended the University of Alabama, where he played quarterback for the Crimson Tide from 1993 to
1997. During his collegiate career, Kitchens started 30 games and was known for his toughness and resilience. While not the most statistically prolific quarterback, he played under head coaches Gene Stallings and Mike DuBose, and helped guide Alabama to several bowl games. Kitchens finished his college career with 4,668 passing yards and 30 touchdowns, ranking among the school’s top ten passers at the time of his graduation.

Early Coaching Career

After his playing days ended, Kitchens transitioned quickly to coaching, beginning as a graduate assistant at Glenville State (1999) and then at LSU (2000), where he worked under Nick Saban. His early coaching journey included stops at North Texas (running backs/tight ends coach, 2001–2003) and Mississippi State (tight ends coach, 2004–2005), where he continued to develop his coaching philosophy and built a reputation as a dedicated and knowledgeable assistant.

Entering the NFL Coaching Ranks

Kitchens made his NFL coaching debut with the Dallas Cowboys in 2006, serving as a tight ends coach under Bill Parcells. The move to the professional level marked the beginning of a long NFL tenure for Kitchens, who would go on to spend over a decade in the league.

• Arizona Cardinals (2007–2017): Kitchens joined the Cardinals as tight ends coach (2007–2012), and later served as quarterbacks coach (2013–2016), and running backs coach (2017). During his time in Arizona, Kitchens worked under multiple head coaches, including Ken Whisenhunt and Bruce Arians. He was an integral part of the staff that led the Cardinals to Super Bowl XLIII, and he played a key role in developing quarterbacks such as Carson Palmer and mentoring players like Larry Fitzgerald and David Johnson.
• Cleveland Browns (2018–2019): Kitchens joined the Browns as running backs coach and associate head coach in
  2018. Midway through the season, following the firing of head coach Hue Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Haley, Kitchens was promoted to offensive coordinator. Under his play-calling, rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield flourished, setting a then-rookie record with 27 touchdown passes, and the Browns offense showed marked improvement.

Browns Head Coach (2019)

Kitchens’ successful stint as interim offensive coordinator earned him the position of head coach for the Cleveland Browns in 2019, making him the 17th head coach in franchise history. Hopes were high, as the Browns had assembled a talented roster including Baker Mayfield, Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry, and Nick Chubb. However, the 2019 season did not meet expectations. The Browns finished with a 6-10 record, marked by inconsistency, penalties, and off-field distractions. Kitchens’ lone season as head coach ended with his firing after just one year. Notable Accomplishments and Legacy
While Kitchens’ head coaching tenure was short-lived, he is credited with helping to unlock Baker Mayfield’s potential during his rookie season and bringing an aggressive, creative approach to the Browns offense as coordinator. Throughout his coaching career, Kitchens earned respect for his player-friendly attitude, blue-collar work ethic, and ability to connect with athletes.

Recent Coaching Roles

After his time as Browns head coach, Kitchens continued to coach in the NFL:

• New York Giants (2020–2021): Kitchens joined the Giants as a tight ends coach and later served as a senior offensive assistant and interim offensive coordinator in 2021 after Jason Garrett was dismissed. He continued to contribute as an offensive mind and mentor to young players.
• South Carolina Gamecocks (2023–present): Kitchens returned to the college ranks as an analyst and later tight ends coach for the University of South Carolina, bringing his wealth of NFL experience to the collegiate game.

Personal Life and Trivia

Freddie Kitchens is married to Ginger Kitchens, and they have a daughter together. He is widely regarded as a tough, relatable coach with a deep love for the game. Kitchens famously underwent emergency heart surgery in 2013 for an aortic dissection while coaching with the Cardinals—a life-threatening event that he survived and returned to coaching just weeks later, earning admiration from colleagues and players for his resilience.

Career Highlights and Stats

• College: 4,668 passing yards, 30 TDs (Alabama QB, 1993–1997)
• NFL Coaching: Over 15 years of experience, including one season as Browns head coach (6-10 record in 2019)
• Super Bowl Appearance: Coaching staff member on Arizona Cardinals team that played in Super Bowl XLIII
• Player Development: Instrumental in the early success of Baker Mayfield and the resurgence of Carson Palmer’s career

Legacy
While Freddie Kitchens’ time as an NFL head coach was brief, his long coaching career and contributions to multiple NFL teams are well-respected. His journey from small-town Alabama quarterback to NFL head coach and respected assistant is a testament to his perseverance, football intelligence, and passion for the game.