Cleveland Browns rumors: Split between Owner, GM over Freddie Kitchens

A rumor has popped up involving a split between Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam and John Dorsey over the future of Freddie Kitchens.

The Cleveland Browns are poised to finish the 2019 season with their first winning record of the decade, just in time for a new one to start.

Of course, in true Browns fashion, Cleveland could finish with a winning record and miss out on the playoffs.

As the Browns finish out against the Cardinals, Ravens and Bengals, plenty of attention will be paid on head coach Freddie Kitchens and whether or not he’ll be able to  hang onto his job.

It wouldn’t be all that surprising to see Kitchens hang on especially if the Browns go 9-7 or 8-8. Either record is better than last year, so general manager John Dorsey could make the case to keep the first coaching hire he’s ever made.

And you know he wants to.  While Dorsey hides in the shadows of a disappointing season, this one thing we know is true: His ego is massive. To admit failure after one year on a signature move? It doesn’t seem he has it in his DNA.

However, there’s this rumor from the Pro Football Network, which talks about a split on Kitchens’ future between ownership and Dorsey.

"“Sources have told Pro Football Network Insiders Ben Allbright and Tony Pauline that there is a difference of opinion when it comes to Kitchens.”"

Kitchens’ introductory press conference speaks volumes as to who this hire belongs to. If you remember, it was Dorsey who ran Kitchens’ introductory press conference while owners Jimmy Haslam and Dee Haslam sat in the front row.

They supported the decision, but they were sending a very public message that they were not being typical meddling owners, instead, letting their football people make the decision.

Pauline promised a forthcoming article with Allbright detailing what’s going on with the Browns, but he did shed some light on the matter in a recent podcast (14:25).

"“I’m hearing right now Freddie Kitchens is still John Dorsey’s guy. Someone characterized them to be ‘Two peas in a pod.’ John Dorsey still likes Freddie Kitchens, and if it’s up to Dorsey, right now, the way we stand here Dec. 12, Dorsey is going to bring back Kitchens. That could change."

Pauline elaborated, saying Haslam feels there are too many problems, especially with egos in the locker room (Baker, OBJ) that Kitchens can’t control. Later in the pod, Pauline said what we’ve come to know, that Freddie is too much a player’s coach and can’t lay down the law.

He added later on though, that his source for his information told him the Browns won’t fire Kitchens after this season.

"“What i hear, right now, Dorsey is still in Freddie Kitchens’ corner, the owner is not so high on the head coach.”"

As far as head coaching candidates, Mike Mcarthy’s name was floated, however, it was brought up how a seemingly logical fit never even got an interview last offseason.

Pauline then talked about how he knows that current Jets coach Adam Gase really wanted a crack at the Cleveland job. He then shed some light on why Dorsey isn’t as eager as everyone else to pull the plug on Kitchens after one season.

"“This is just my speculation, John Dorsey is one of the funniest, most down-to-earth guys you’re ever going to meet. I also think he’s the type of guy where personalities matter. He’s been in the league long enough, as a scout…I think as a GM he wants to make sure the personality is right for him, as well, which is probably why McCarthy never got a chance, Gase never the shot and Gregg Williams was shown the door as well. I think the personality fit is a big thing for John Dorsey.”"

If Dorsey wants to evade pressure from ownership, the best thing that can happen for he and Kitchens is for the Browns to win out.

With three games to go, the Browns are certainly capable of running the table. However, that Baltimore contest will be one to watch.

Will the Browns put up a fight, or will they get blown out at home. As the final game of the 2019 season, that’s not a taste Kitchens wants to leave in the mouth of ownership and the fan base.