The Cleveland Browns fired coach Freddie Kitchens after a disheartening season that didn't come close to meeting expectations.
Kitchens was let go Sunday night, hours after the Browns were beaten by the lowly Cincinnati Bengals to finish 6-10 and miss the playoffs for the 17th year in a row.
Kitchens was a surprising hire a year ago because he had no previous head coaching experience. His successful eight-game stretch as Browns offensive coordinator to end 2018 had sent his stock soaring.
But he was plagued by numerous mistakes this season, with game management and an inability to get the Cleveland offense rolling among his most notable flaws.
Kitchens is the fifth coach fired since 2012 by the Browns, who haven't had a winning record since 2007.
With heavy hearts
Saturday night, the Lions announced the death of wide receiver Marvin Jones' son Marlo. There was a moment of silence at Ford Field before Sunday's game vs. Green Bay.
"Wanted to play for our family that was hurting," quarterback David Blough said.
A team spokesman said Marlo was about 6 months old. Jones was at the game but didn't play. He went on injured reserve earlier in the month.
