The Cleveland Browns thought long and hard about Baker Mayfield's success when it came to their decision on their next head coach, and it only makes sense when you think of it that way. The team announced that interim offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens would take over the role, becoming the 18th coach in franchise history. Kitchens took over late this season, which is when Mayfield really took over as their starter and succeeded. Kitchens held the position for the final eight games of the season, and is said to have a major role in why Mayfield was on the rise so quickly. He was so important to the team that the Browns denied him permission to talk to other teams, refusing to lose him on their team in any capacity. This move was matched with defensive coordinator Gregg Williams being let go from the team.
Kitchens was formerly the assistant head coach and running backs coach, but took over as OC when Hue Jackson and Todd Haley were let go at the same time mid-season. He took over the play-calling at that time, helping the Browns to some impressive performances. Mayfield was just 1-4 with Haley as his OC, and completed just 58 percent of his passes for eight touchdowns and six interceptions. He was also sacked 20 times, but that number dropped to five when Kitchens took over. He also threw 68 percent for the rest of the season with 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions. His yards per attempt also went up by nearly two yards, which had to make Mayfield happy, and if the franchise quarterback is happy with you, then you are definitely staying.
The Denver Broncos made a surprising move by cutting ties with Vance Joseph after just two seasons, and they went to the Chicago Bears for his replacement, naming their defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio, their new head man on Wednesday. Fangio will get a four-year contract with the new position, which does include a team option for a fifth year. John Elway admitted to looking for experience in their search, and only Mitch Munchak was the more experienced candidate that they interviewed. Tuesday's report was that the team narrowed their decision down to Munchak and Fangio.
Fangio was one of five overall candidates for Denver, as he was interviewed last Monday in Chicago. The 60-year-old has 33 years of NFL coaching experience under his belt, all as an NFL assistant. He has been a coordinator with the Bears for the past four seasons, but has never been a head coach at any level. He did take over a Bears defense that was ranked 30th in 2014 and had them up to 13th by 2017. The addition of Khalil Mack this season got them up to No. 1 this year and a playoff spot, but they were eliminated this past week by the Philadelphia Eagles. Fangio also interviewed to be the Bears head coach last season, but instead, took a four-year deal to remain their defensive coordinator. The Broncos are a team that likes to focus on defense, and they are hoping Fangio is the spark they need to complete their turnaround since losing Peyton Manning.
Kitchens was formerly the assistant head coach and running backs coach, but took over as OC when Hue Jackson and Todd Haley were let go at the same time mid-season. He took over the play-calling at that time, helping the Browns to some impressive performances. Mayfield was just 1-4 with Haley as his OC, and completed just 58 percent of his passes for eight touchdowns and six interceptions. He was also sacked 20 times, but that number dropped to five when Kitchens took over. He also threw 68 percent for the rest of the season with 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions. His yards per attempt also went up by nearly two yards, which had to make Mayfield happy, and if the franchise quarterback is happy with you, then you are definitely staying.
The Denver Broncos made a surprising move by cutting ties with Vance Joseph after just two seasons, and they went to the Chicago Bears for his replacement, naming their defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio, their new head man on Wednesday. Fangio will get a four-year contract with the new position, which does include a team option for a fifth year. John Elway admitted to looking for experience in their search, and only Mitch Munchak was the more experienced candidate that they interviewed. Tuesday's report was that the team narrowed their decision down to Munchak and Fangio.
Fangio was one of five overall candidates for Denver, as he was interviewed last Monday in Chicago. The 60-year-old has 33 years of NFL coaching experience under his belt, all as an NFL assistant. He has been a coordinator with the Bears for the past four seasons, but has never been a head coach at any level. He did take over a Bears defense that was ranked 30th in 2014 and had them up to 13th by 2017. The addition of Khalil Mack this season got them up to No. 1 this year and a playoff spot, but they were eliminated this past week by the Philadelphia Eagles. Fangio also interviewed to be the Bears head coach last season, but instead, took a four-year deal to remain their defensive coordinator. The Broncos are a team that likes to focus on defense, and they are hoping Fangio is the spark they need to complete their turnaround since losing Peyton Manning.
